#as if 2023 is a remotely real time in the near future

[mariacallous]

Meduza's The Beet: Heels for freedom

Hello, and welcome back to The Beet!

Eilish Hart here, the editor of this weekly dispatch from Meduza that brings you original reporting from across Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. If someone forwarded you this email, sign up here to receive future issues of The Beet. Want to sample some more of our work first? Check out last week’s story about how independent journalism persists in Turkmenistan. And don’t miss my full interview with Access Now tech-legal counsel Natalia Krapiva, who kindly joined Meduza’s The Naked Pravda podcast to discuss recent revelations about the use of Pegasus spyware in Armenia during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and its aftermath.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Warsaw last Sunday for an anti-government march timed to coincide with the 34th anniversary of the partially-free elections that ushered in the fall of Poland’s Communist regime. With a parliamentary vote coming up in Poland later this year, and President Andrzej Duda now moving to water down a controversial piece of legislation that critics fear will be used to target the opposition, this is something to keep an eye on. But it’s not the topic of this week’s feature. Instead, we’re turning to Warsaw to celebrate the start of Pride Month with a story that takes us inside the Polish capital’s drag scene and introduces us to its late queen, Kim Lee. Journalist Joanna Kozlowska reports for The Beet.

Heels for freedom: Kim Lee and the history of Polish drag

By Joanna Kozlowska

Kim Lee in her Warsaw studio before a performance. 2019.

ZULA RABIKOWSKA

Just over a century ago, looking into the future after emerging from a world war and 120 years of foreign occupation, Poland abolished all aristocratic titles. Later, decades of Communism rendered all thoughts of royalty remote. Yet this year, the Polish capital has crowned a queen, and the choice may surprise some.

A short walk west from Warsaw’s main train station, stepping into the whitewashed mansion that houses a branch of the municipal museum, visitors are greeted by a riot of pastel colors. A black-haired figure in a sumptuous golden dress smiles from a poster near the entrance that reads, Kim Lee. The Queen of Warsaw. The museum’s latest blockbuster offering, the temporary exhibition celebrates an artist lovingly dubbed “Poland’s best and only Vietnamese drag queen,” whose life story is as stunning as the costumes assembled inside. 

“Kim Lee had to be real, because nobody could have made her up,” a column in Poland’s largest left-wing daily recently proclaimed. “If she were a character from a TV show, conservative reviewers would tear it apart. More progressive ones, too, might doubt the scriptwriters’ sanity.”

A display from the exhibition “Kim Lee. The Queen of Warsaw.” 2023.

TOMASZ KACZOR / MUZEUM WARSZAWY

Of the half dozen people The Beet’s correspondent interviewed who knew Kim Lee’s creator Andy Nguyen before COVID-19 cut his life short in 2020, all would agree. Nguyen’s story is indeed almost too unusual to be true. 

A star student in his native Vietnam, Nguyen came to Poland on a scholarship just as Communism was being dismantled. He got a research job at one of the country’s top physics institutes, only to see his pay fall to a pittance during the economic turmoil of the 1990s. He then worked odd jobs to support himself and his young family. For a time, the former scientist ran a market stall selling East Asian goods that a close friend compared to those at Warsaw’s now-demolished 10th-Anniversary Stadium. (Once the site of Communist Party galas, the stadium was later reduced to a sprawling outdoor bazaar where vendors from all over the former Eastern Bloc hawked pirated software, flouncy underwear, and dubious health remedies).  

Nguyen’s drag persona, Kim Lee, was born at the turn of the millennium and soon shot to stardom beyond the wildest dreams of anyone in Poland’s fledgling drag scene. “She whizzed into the mainstream like a meteor,” says Teo Łagowska, a performer with Warsaw’s Drag King Szarm Trio collective. 

Nguyen’s long-time partner, Remigiusz Szeląg, concurs. “Kim performed everywhere,” he recalls. “Non-stop, all over Poland, he was a fixture at ‘straight’ parties and club nights, at burlesque shows. He appeared on TV, on discussion panels. He twice gave lectures at the University of Warsaw — needless to say, in full drag.”

Andy Nguyen (Kim Lee) getting ready for a performance in his studio. Warsaw, 2019.

ZULA RABIKOWSKA

Pleasant surprises

Magdalena Staroszczyk, who curated the exhibition in Warsaw, has no doubt that it belongs in a public museum. She is visibly proud of bringing the project to fruition, not least given the Polish government’s enduring anti-LGBTQ stance. “Queer history should be just as present in various institutions as any other [history],” she underscores.

For almost a decade, Poland has made headlines for its ruling party’s dogged defense of “traditional values” that critics say amounts to little more than anti-LGBTQ policies. Successive electoral campaigns have seen the Law and Justice Party intimidate voters with the “rainbow menace,” while top officials — including Poland’s current president and education minister — have suggested that LGBTQ people don’t deserve equal rights. By October 2019, more than 60 local and regional councils had adopted anti-LGBTQ declarations, with right-leaning councilors decrying the spread of an “LGBT ideology” they claim threatens families. Local authorities and Polish courts have since scrapped some of these resolutions (in many cases for fear of losing E.U. funding), but a sense of deep unease remains. 

Both Szeląg and Krzysztof Tomasik, Nguyen’s friend of many years and the author of multiple books on Polish LGBTQ history, describe the Warsaw exhibition as a turning point for queer visibility. The show, Tomasik stresses, is housed in a state institution — a clear victory for those calling for greater inclusion, even if the museum’s financing comes from Warsaw’s relatively liberal city hall, rather than Poland’s Culture Ministry. 

Staroszczyk, the curator, sees Nguyen’s’s life and work as an integral part of Warsaw’s history. She also notes the artist’s close links to the city’s Wola district in particular, where the museum is located. Nguyen, a long-time resident of the neighborhood, kept more than 1,000 hand-sewn costumes in a space in Wola that became known as “Kim Lee’s Dressing Room.” He also performed in many local clubs, some of which popped up in the district’s shuttered factories. 

Nguyen choosing an outfit for a performance. 2019.

ZULA RABIKOWSKA

Nguyen sewing a costume in his studio. 2019.

ZULA RABIKOWSKA

Today, Wola retains a post-industrial feel, with the high-rises that used to house its workers towering over the museum’s Neoclassical pile. Staroszczyk says that neighbors have been venturing in to get what for many is their first taste of drag. 

“We have one neighbor in particular, an older lady who I’m told has seen the show several times already. She’s been delighted and has been bringing friends along. That was one of the pleasant surprises,” the curator says. 

Groups of retirees — most but not all of them women — regularly book guided tours of the exhibition, Staroszczyk adds.

Local councilors from the Law and Justice Party, meanwhile, questioned the rationale behind the exhibition, while some right-wing and Catholic publications accused the museum of promoting a “deviant lifestyle.” However, as of early June, there has been no sustained political or media campaign against the show, nor protests trying to disrupt it.

On an overcast Saturday in May, the exhibition was well-attended. Groups of visitors admired Kim Lee’s hand-crafted creations — from silk kimonos to voluminous gowns that wouldn’t look out of place in Bourbon-era Versailles — and attempted their own drag transformations, trying on frilly boas and curly blond wigs. Two middle-aged women giggled with delight as they posed before a mirror garlanded with flowers. One 19-year-old visitor named Maciek admitted he’d been surprised to discover that Kim Lee had sold out clubs years before RuPaul’s Drag Race — the U.S. reality competition series that brought drag to a wide audience — premiered on Polish Netflix in the early 2010s. 

The opening of the exhibition “Kim Lee. The Queen of Warsaw.” 2023.

TOMASZ KACZOR / MUZEUM WARSZAWY

Polish divas and a whiff of the West

Researcher Jakub Wojtaszczyk, whose book of interviews with Polish drag performers was published last June, says that self-described drag queens began appearing in the early to mid-1990s, not long after Communism’s collapse. Their acts often harked back to Polish “divas” from Communist times: cabaret star Violetta Villas with her layered, feathered gowns, 1960s sex symbol Kalina Jędrusik, who scandalized crowds with her backless outfits, and patrician mezzo-soprano Irena Santor were all clear favorites. 

One of the drag scene’s stalwarts, Lady Brigitte, recalls impersonating both Villas and Santor during her performances in the 1990s. She says that many queer men at the time embraced Villas as an icon. “She was a colorful flower, a bright light that seemed to have arrived [in Communist Poland] from America, she was bold and courageous, and above all, different,” the drag queen says. 

“Of course, we’d also tackle foreign figures like Cher and Tina Turner — you wanted to have that whiff of the West. But most of each show would revolve around Polish artists,” she explains. 

According to Ludmiła Janion, a cultural studies scholar at the University of Warsaw, the history of Polish “queer icons” goes much deeper. As she speaks, Janion pulls out photos of cross-dressing Polish actors from the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s, one of them the spitting image of U.S. dance pioneer Isadora Duncan. One of the extraordinary performances of that time, she says, comes from the 1937 comedy Neighbors (Piętro wyżej, in Polish). A glittering romp about a feud between two music-loving residents of a Warsaw townhouse, it shows cabaret heartthrob Eugeniusz Bodo wow an audience with his impersonation of the American actress Mae West. “Sex appeal is our womanly weapon,” Bodo sings as he whirls around the stage in a blond wig and a sparkling black dress. 

Eugeniusz Bodo (center) impersonating Mae West in the 1937 film “Neighbors”

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Some Polish film critics view the scene as a nod to LGBTQ audiences, pointing to the blossoming of queer culture in interwar Warsaw. “Bodo never got married. He wasn’t the type to chase after women,” Janion explains. “Of course, we can’t be sure that he was gay, but he was an ambiguous figure,” she adds, noting the actor’s string of cross-dressing characters during the brief but intense flourishing of Warsaw’s cabaret scene in the early 20th century. 

With the advent of Communism, this artistic freedom came to an end. Cross-dressing performances did not disappear, Janion says, but like much else, they retreated to the private sphere; to the semi-safety of high-rise apartments and tipsy evenings with friends. As a result, records of these “clothes-flipping parties” are sparse and hard to find. 

The parties themselves might have slipped into obscurity if Kim Lee hadn’t stopped to chat with an older gentleman who’d come to see her show one day in 2008. She soon found out that Andrzej Szwan, 69 at the time, had decades of “clothes-flipping” performances under his belt, even if his ornate costumes had scarcely left his building. With Nguyen’s help, Szwan transformed into one of Poland’s most eye-catching drag queens: Lulla la Polaca. Now 84, Szwan is still performing and much-loved by the media, including Vogue’s Polish edition and the country’s most august opinion magazines. 

However, researchers Janion and Wojtaszczyk disagree about whether the “clothes-flipping parties” of Communist times and earlier film and cabaret performances can be classed as drag. Wojtaszczyk would rather reserve the term for modern-day performers who choose to use it themselves, while Janion is happy to speak about “a continuum of drag performances” that involve cross-dressing, an audience, and a note of homoerotic tension.  

Andrzej Szwan (Lulla la Polaca) in the 2022 documentary film “Boylesque”

HBO

‘Sister, you’re the activist type’

Lulla la Polaca, for one, was quick to call herself a drag queen once she started performing publicly. She also proudly describes herself as an LGBTQ activist. Most people I speak to agree that the term could also apply to Kim Lee, though not all Polish drag performers embrace it. 

“I’d always say to her: sister, you’re the activist type,” recalls Polish drag queen Lady Brigitte, referencing a double act she and Kim put on in the 2000s. Lady Brigitte herself has a more ambivalent attitude towards activism (“I performed at fund-raisers, but they were mostly for homeless animals”), though she expresses admiration for Nguyen’s engagement with Polish LGBTQ groups at the time. 

“There must have been more than twenty,” Szeląg replies when asked how many queer rights organizations Nguyen was involved in during his lifetime. He adds that Nguyen was also active in Poland’s Vietnamese community — “although he liked to keep that part of his life separate,” initially for fear of negative reactions to his same-sex relationship and stage persona. 

These concerns ultimately proved unfounded, Szeląg maintains. “Poland’s Vietnamese community has undergone a great transformation,” he explains, describing various relatives and friends of Nguyen’s he’s met over the years. “A while ago, a journalist from London came to interview its members for a story. Asked about famous Polish-Vietnamese people, every single one mentioned Kim Lee.” 

In Kim Lee’s Dressing Room

PAT MIC / MUZEUM WARSZAWY

Szeląg and Tomasik say that Nguyen didn’t like to dwell on the racist taunts he sometimes faced. Be that as it may, he publicly weighed in on what Polishness could and should mean by starring in a music video that parodied Poland’s infamous 2014 Eurovision entry. “We are Slavic” by Polish singer Cleo and record producer Donatan, with its busty, butter-churning milkmaids and appeals for foreigners to “try Polish women,” prompted a collective groan from the country’s feminists and liberals. Donatan’s comments denigrating that year’s winner — Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst — only added fuel to the fire. 

Kim was not one to sling back insults. Instead, she twirled around a meadow in Polish folk dress, lip-syncing to lines about “hot Slavic blood” and Polish women “ruddy as fresh bread.” 

Wojtaszczyk and the drag performers The Beet’s correspondent interviewed also recalled Kim’s role in integrating Poland’s drag scene and raising its profile, whether through hosting “Miss Drag” pageants or judging competitions. Teo Łagowska and Agnieszka Małgowska of the Drag King Szarm Trio — the aforementioned Warsaw collective of female and gender-queer performers who embody mostly masculine characters — stressed that Kim advocated inclusivity within a scene that they say still sidelines groups like theirs.  

Nguyen’s untimely death from the coronavirus in 2020 was “a shock for Poland’s rainbow community,” Małgowska says. “We always thought that Kim would become a senior drag queen, like Lulla [la Polaca], that she would dance until the end of time,” she laments. 

In Kim Lee’s Dressing Room

PAT MIC / MUZEUM WARSZAWY

Szeląg, Tomasik, and Staroszczyk all spoke of the Museum of Warsaw exhibition as a means of mourning the artist and honoring his memory. Tomasik, the author and Kim’s long-time friend, says that a “terrible sadness” remains, but he also notes his satisfaction that Polish drag is finally beginning to get official recognition. “It’s an art with a decades-long history and its own icons,” he says. “These are just the first attempts to commemorate, remember, and honor them.”

[jcmarchi]

Atomos Connect Camera to Cloud Workflow Success Story - Videoguys

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/atomos-connect-camera-to-cloud-workflow-success-story-videoguys/

Atomos Connect Camera to Cloud Workflow Success Story - Videoguys

In the blog post “How GMedia tells great stories in no time with Camera to Cloud” by Atomos for Videomaker, the senior producer Joshua Cruse from GMedia shares insights into their video production workflow and how they efficiently tell compelling stories using a Camera to Cloud (C2C) approach. Here’s a summary:

Background:

Joshua Cruse, senior producer at GMedia, began his journey capturing musical performances with a passion for audio and video.

GMedia, the creative agency for Green Machine Ensembles at George Mason University, focuses on showcasing various musical performance groups.

Challenges Before C2C:

Traditional video production workflows led to exhaustion, with long hours waiting for media to off-load onto disks.

Upgrading to high-quality 4K video added to the production team’s burden, as the post-production workflow didn’t keep pace with camera advancements.

Transition to Camera to Cloud (C2C):

GMedia adopted the Camera to Cloud workflow using Atomos Connect module for Ninja and integrated it with the Frame.io creative collaboration platform.

The continuity of using Atomos devices from the late 2010s to the mid-2020s provides a sustainable and cost-effective practice.

C2C workflow proved to be a “magic link” for GMedia, offering cohesion, accessibility from anywhere, and significant time savings.

Benefits of C2C Workflow:

C2C workflow includes Atomos monitor-recorders with C2C connectivity and Frame.io for near-instant file uploads.

Editors can start crafting edits sooner, speeding up post-production, and proxy files stored in Frame.io are perfect for quick social media edits.

Josh emphasizes the importance of proper archiving without sacrificing recording quality for quicker turnarounds.

Real-Time Collaboration with C2C:

A specific example from April 2023 highlights the real-time collaboration aspect of C2C.

A remote producer, Tina, edited footage in real-time from home while Josh, on-site, confirmed shots using an airpod, showcasing the flexibility and efficiency of C2C.

Time-Saving and Future Plans:

Time is emphasized as a non-renewable resource, and the C2C workflow is designed to save time and make the team’s life easier.

Josh and the GMedia team see C2C as a long-term solution, committing to utilizing it as long as Frame.io and Atomos support it, highlighting its transformative impact on their workflow.

In conclusion, GMedia’s adoption of Camera to Cloud with Atomos and Frame.io has not only saved time but has become an integral part of their efficient and innovative video production process, allowing them to tell compelling stories quickly and effectively.

Read the full blog post by Atomos for Videomaker HERE

[otiskeene]

Top Trends 2023 - Networking Technology

When the pandemic hit, networks became business lifelines. Fast Wi-Fi and secure data-sharing tools were essential to keep teams connected and work moving forward. As we venture into 2023, businesses are doubling down on network innovations to improve performance and ROI. Here’s a look at the top networking trends shaping the future.

Fiber-Optic Speed Boost: With speeds nearing that of light, fiber networks offer up to 940 Mbps, making data transfer lightning-fast. Beyond speed, these networks are highly secure and reduce interference, essential for video calls and real-time tasks.

Wireless-Value Realization: Today’s enterprises juggle multiple wireless networks, but not all are optimized for ROI. In 2023, businesses will focus on deriving maximum value from each network and ensuring smooth performance across all tasks.

Next-Gen Networks (NGNs): Imagine a unified network where all communication runs seamlessly. NGNs make this a reality by converging data, voice, and other services into one efficient network, with ultra-high speeds and minimal power use.

Software-Defined Networks (SDN): Forget managing countless devices—SDN allows network management through software, enabling remote and flexible control over network performance. This means lower hardware reliance and greater scalability.

AI-Driven Networks: With AI, networks can anticipate issues before they happen. From optimizing bandwidth to automatically fixing minor issues, AI is becoming the brains behind networks, making them more responsive and reliable.

By integrating these trends, companies can ensure faster connections, greater control, and a more resilient networking setup for the year ahead.

[insightfulblogz]

Medical Device Security Market Revenue, Statistics, and Business Strategy Until 2032

As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, medical devices have emerged as vital components in patient diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. These devices, often connected to hospital networks or even the internet, are essential for improving patient outcomes. However, this increased connectivity also makes them vulnerable to cyber threats. Medical device security has become a critical area of focus for healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers. Securing these devices is essential not only to protect sensitive patient data but also to ensure that critical medical functions are not compromised by cyber-attacks. Implementing robust security measures is now a priority as the industry adapts to a more connected, digital healthcare environment.

The Medical Device Security Market Size was valued at USD 6.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 8.9% over the forecast period 2024-2032.

Future Scope

The future of medical device security lies in the development of advanced technologies and regulatory frameworks that can keep up with evolving cyber threats. AI-driven security protocols, blockchain for secure data transfer, and machine learning algorithms that detect vulnerabilities in real-time are expected to play a significant role. Additionally, stricter compliance and oversight by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA and European regulators, will continue to shape the landscape. The growing integration of medical devices with IoT ecosystems is likely to increase security challenges, requiring more innovative solutions to ensure safety and privacy. In the near future, medical device manufacturers will need to prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of the design and development process.

Trends

The medical device security landscape is evolving rapidly with key trends shaping the industry. One notable trend is the adoption of zero-trust security models, which ensure that every access point in a network is verified and authenticated. Another trend is the increasing focus on regulatory compliance, with organizations working to meet stringent cybersecurity standards laid out by regulatory bodies. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on designing devices with built-in security from the outset, rather than adding security layers after the fact. Cloud-based security solutions are also becoming more prevalent, allowing for real-time monitoring and threat detection across interconnected devices.

Applications

Medical device security solutions are being applied across various healthcare settings. Hospitals and clinics rely on secure medical devices for everything from diagnostic imaging systems to patient monitoring tools and infusion pumps. Medical devices used in telemedicine and remote patient monitoring are also vulnerable to cyber threats, making security paramount in home healthcare settings. Additionally, wearable devices that track patient health data, such as heart rate monitors and glucose meters, require advanced security protocols to safeguard personal information. In clinical research, secure medical devices play a crucial role in collecting and transmitting patient data, ensuring the integrity of research outcomes.

Key Points

Medical devices are increasingly interconnected, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

AI-driven cybersecurity measures are poised to play a key role in the future of medical device security.

Regulatory bodies such as the FDA are implementing stricter cybersecurity standards for medical devices.

Cloud-based security solutions are enabling real-time monitoring and threat detection.

Medical device security is essential for patient safety, especially in connected healthcare environments.

Conclusion

Securing medical devices is no longer optional; it is a critical necessity in the modern healthcare landscape. As these devices become more integrated into the digital infrastructure, the risk of cyber threats grows, making robust security protocols vital for ensuring patient safety and the integrity of healthcare systems. Through advancements in technology, regulatory oversight, and the commitment of manufacturers, the future of medical device security looks promising. By staying ahead of evolving threats and implementing proactive measures, the healthcare industry can safeguard sensitive patient data and maintain the functionality of life-saving devices.

Read More Details: https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/medical-device-security-market-2193 

Contact Us:

Akash Anand — Head of Business Development & Strategy

Email: info@snsinsider.com

Phone: +1–415–230–0044 (US) | +91–7798602273 (IND) 

[jaichaudhary]

single family homes for sale in Calgary" as requested.

Introduction: A Booming Calgary Real Estate Market

The Calgary real estate market has seen a significant surge in demand, particularly in the single-family homes category. Driven by several factors including economic recovery, migration patterns, and changing buyer preferences post-pandemic, this sector is leading the way in Calgary’s housing market.

Homebuyers, investors, and even first-time home purchasers are witnessing Calgary’s market undergo notable changes, with single family homes for sale in Calgary becoming a focal point. This update will examine the current trends, reasons behind the rise in demand, and what buyers and sellers can expect in the near future.

Calgary’s Economic Landscape: Fueling the Housing Demand

The overall economic recovery in Calgary plays a crucial role in the demand for real estate. As oil prices stabilize and other industries in the region grow, more people are flocking to the city for job opportunities, increasing the demand for housing, particularly single family homes for sale in Calgary.

Recent data from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) reveals that the city’s economic outlook has strengthened buyer confidence. This trend is particularly evident in the rise of single-family home sales, which have reached new heights compared to previous years.

Demographic Shifts and Migration Patterns

Another significant factor contributing to the growth in the Calgary housing market is the demographic shift. Calgary has long been a magnet for migrants from across Canada and internationally, attracted by employment opportunities and the quality of life.

Recent reports show that younger families and professionals are choosing Calgary over other major cities like Vancouver and Toronto due to its affordability and livability. This influx is driving up the demand for single family homes for sale in Calgary, as these new residents prefer the suburban lifestyle that many of these homes offer.

Post-Pandemic Shifts in Housing Preferences

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how people perceive their homes. Lockdowns, remote work, and the desire for more space have caused a shift in what buyers are looking for. With more people working from home, there’s been a noticeable trend toward moving away from condos and smaller apartments to larger properties.

This has made single family homes for sale in Calgary incredibly appealing, as they offer more space, backyards, and room for home offices — features that are increasingly valued in the post-pandemic world. The desire for privacy and personal space has also led to increased demand for properties in suburban neighborhoods, contributing to the rise in single-family home sales.

Price Trends: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

One of the most critical aspects of the Calgary real estate market is pricing. The rise in demand for single family homes for sale in Calgary has naturally resulted in upward pressure on home prices.

In 2023, the median price for a single-family home in Calgary increased by about 12% compared to the previous year. While prices are rising, Calgary remains more affordable than many other major Canadian cities, making it a competitive market for buyers.

For sellers, this is an ideal time to capitalize on the current demand. The combination of low inventory and high buyer interest has created a seller’s market in Calgary, meaning homes are selling quickly, often above the asking price.

Neighborhoods on the Rise: Where to Look for Single Family Homes

Several Calgary neighborhoods have emerged as hotspots for buyers seeking single family homes for sale in Calgary. Understanding these areas can help buyers and investors make more informed decisions. Let’s explore some of the most in-demand neighborhoods:

Aspen Woods: Known for its luxury homes and family-friendly atmosphere, Aspen Woods is a desirable area for those looking for larger properties.

Mahogany: With its lakefront views and newer developments, Mahogany is attracting buyers who want modern amenities and plenty of outdoor space.

Altadore: This trendy neighborhood appeals to younger families and professionals with its vibrant community and proximity to the city center.

Each of these neighborhoods offers unique advantages, from proximity to schools and parks to convenient transportation links, making them prime areas for single family homes for sale in Calgary.

Supply Constraints and Housing Inventory Issues

While demand for single family homes for sale in Calgary continues to rise, the city is facing a supply constraint. Inventory levels remain lower than average, and new home constructions haven’t kept pace with the heightened demand.

This has led to an increase in bidding wars and reduced options for buyers, especially for those looking for affordable homes. The limited supply is contributing to the upward price trends, as buyers are forced to compete for fewer available properties.

The ongoing labor shortages in the construction sector, coupled with supply chain disruptions, have delayed many new housing projects, further exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. These factors are critical in understanding the current market dynamics in Calgary.

Government Policies and Real Estate Regulations

Government intervention, both on the federal and provincial levels, has also played a role in shaping the Calgary real estate market. Policies that promote homeownership and favorable mortgage regulations have helped fuel the demand for single family homes for sale in Calgary.

However, rising interest rates pose a challenge for both buyers and sellers. As the Bank of Canada continues to adjust rates in response to inflation, mortgage affordability becomes a key concern for prospective buyers. Although rates remain relatively low, any further increases could cool down the market in the near future.

Investor Activity: A Hotbed for Real Estate Investment

Calgary’s real estate market is not just appealing to families and first-time buyers but also to investors. With the demand for single family homes for sale in Calgary rising, many investors see potential in rental properties and long-term appreciation.

The rental market in Calgary is competitive, with vacancy rates remaining low. Investors are capitalizing on this by purchasing single-family homes to rent out, knowing that the steady influx of new residents ensures a stable rental income.

Moreover, Calgary’s relatively low property prices (compared to Toronto or Vancouver) make it an attractive option for real estate investment, with significant potential for long-term capital gains.

Challenges and Risks in the Current Market

While the market for single family homes for sale in Calgary is currently booming, it is not without its challenges. Rising interest rates, inflation, and potential government interventions could slow the market’s growth.

There’s also the possibility of a housing correction, where prices may stabilize or decrease slightly if demand cools down or if economic conditions worsen. For buyers, the risk of overpaying in a highly competitive market is real, and for sellers, holding out for too long could mean missing the peak of the market.

Looking Ahead: Forecast for the Calgary Real Estate Market

The future of Calgary’s real estate market looks promising, especially for single family homes for sale in Calgary. Economists and real estate experts predict that the demand for these homes will continue to grow, particularly as more people migrate to Calgary for its affordable housing and strong job market.

However, much of this growth depends on factors like interest rates, housing inventory, and broader economic conditions. If supply constraints ease and mortgage rates remain favorable, the market is likely to remain competitive for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion: A Market on the Rise

In summary, the Calgary real estate market, especially for single family homes for sale in Calgary, is experiencing a period of significant growth. The combination of economic recovery, demographic changes, and shifting buyer preferences has created a seller’s market with rising prices and high demand.

For buyers, now may be the time to act, as prices are expected to continue rising, while sellers can take advantage of the current demand. Investors, too, can benefit from Calgary’s strong rental market and long-term growth potential.

As we look ahead, the Calgary real estate market remains one to watch, particularly for those interested in single family homes for sale in Calgary. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, staying informed on the latest trends and market conditions is key to making smart real estate decisions.

[stardust6506]

Kondapur Real Estate Journey: A 5-Year Perspective on Land Value Trends

Kondapur, located in the western part of Hyderabad, has emerged as one of the city’s most vibrant real estate markets. Over the past five years, this area has seen a significant transformation, making it a hotspot for both residential and commercial investments. With its proximity to HITEC City and Gachibowli, Kondapur has become a preferred choice for homebuyers, investors, and businesses. This blog takes you through Kondapur’s real estate journey over the past five years, offering a detailed analysis of land value trends and a glimpse into what the future holds.

2019: The Beginning of Rapid Growth

In 2019, Kondapur was already on the radar of investors due to its strategic location near Hyderabad’s IT hub. The price per square foot for land in Kondapur was approximately ₹6,500. This year marked the beginning of rapid growth, with an influx of professionals seeking residential property in Hyderabad close to their workplaces. Real estate agents in Hyderabad were instrumental in facilitating these transactions, guiding buyers towards lucrative opportunities in this promising area.

2020: Resilience Amidst a Global Pandemic

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the slowdown in the global economy, Kondapur’s real estate market showed resilience. Land prices slightly dipped but stabilized at around ₹6,300 per square foot by the end of the year. The demand for spacious homes increased as people sought to adapt to remote work. Real estate consultants in Hyderabad played a crucial role in helping clients navigate the uncertainties of the market, ensuring they made informed decisions during these turbulent times.

Bollineni Bion is a luxurious residential project in Kondapur, Hyderabad, offering elegant living spaces with modern amenities. Nestled in a prime location, it provides excellent connectivity to key IT hubs and commercial centers. With its contemporary design and serene environment, Bollineni Bion promises a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.

2021: A Strong Recovery

By 2021, Kondapur's real estate market had bounced back, with land prices rising to ₹7,000 per square foot. The recovery was driven by renewed interest in projects in Hyderabad, especially those offering modern amenities and proximity to key business districts. Property dealers in Hyderabad were pivotal in connecting buyers with the best available properties, whether for residential or commercial property in Hyderabad. The best real estate agents in Hyderabad were in high demand, helping clients secure properties in an increasingly competitive market.

2022: Infrastructure Development Drives Demand

In 2022, Kondapur witnessed significant infrastructure developments, including road expansions and improved connectivity to other parts of Hyderabad. These enhancements further boosted the area's appeal, driving land prices up to ₹7,800 per square foot. The demand for property for sale in Hyderabad increased as both investors and end-users recognized Kondapur’s potential for high returns. Real estate consultants in Hyderabad provided key insights into emerging trends, advising clients on the best investment strategies in this growing market.

Nine Square Apartment is a premium residential complex offering modern living spaces in a prime location. Designed with contemporary architecture, it provides a range of amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for its residents. Strategically located, it offers easy access to key areas, making it an ideal choice for urban living.

2023: Kondapur Reaches New Heights

By 2023, Kondapur had firmly established itself as a premium real estate destination in Hyderabad. Land prices soared to ₹8,500 per square foot, reflecting the area's continued growth and desirability. The surge in demand for office for sale in Hyderabad was particularly notable, with many companies choosing Kondapur for their operations due to its proximity to the IT corridor. The best property dealers in Hyderabad were instrumental in helping clients navigate this high-demand market, ensuring they secured prime locations for both residential and commercial purposes.

2024 and Beyond: What Lies Ahead?

Looking ahead, Kondapur's real estate market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. By the end of 2024, land prices are anticipated to reach ₹9,000 per square foot, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and the area's strategic importance. The role of real estate agents in Hyderabad will be increasingly crucial as they guide clients through a market that is becoming more competitive and dynamic.

Property dealers in Hyderabad predict that Kondapur will remain a top choice for both residential and commercial property investors. With new projects in Hyderabad continually being launched, Kondapur is set to offer even more opportunities for those looking to invest in this thriving market.

Here’s an estimated forecast for land prices per square foot in Kondapur, Hyderabad, from 2024 to 2029:

2024: ₹9,000 - ₹9,500 per sq/ft

2025: ₹9,500 - ₹10,300 per sq/ft

2026: ₹10,300 - ₹11,200 per sq/ft

2027: ₹11,200 - ₹12,100 per sq/ft

2028: ₹12,100 - ₹13,000 per sq/ft

2029: ₹13,000 - ₹14,000 per sq/ft

These projections are based on anticipated infrastructure improvements, the ongoing development of commercial and residential projects, and Kondapur's strategic location near Hyderabad's IT and business hubs. The role of real estate agents in Hyderabad and property dealers in Hyderabad will be essential in navigating this evolving market.

In conclusion: 

Kondapur's real estate journey over the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable. From a growing suburb to a prime real estate hub, Kondapur has consistently attracted attention from homebuyers, investors, and businesses alike. As the area continues to develop, it promises to remain a key player in Hyderabad's real estate landscape, offering significant returns for those who invest wisely. With the guidance of the best real estate agents in Hyderabad and property dealers in Hyderabad, navigating Kondapur’s ever-evolving market will be a rewarding experience for all involved.

[martech360]

Challenges and Use Cases of IoT Analytics Explained

In our interconnected world, the internet has become integral to our daily lives, driving vast data consumption and production. In 2023, there were 30.73 billion IoT devices, contributing to the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem where people, technologies, networks, and tools collaborate to achieve common goals. IoT spending reached a staggering $1.1 trillion USD in 2023.

IoT Analytics Explained

IoT analytics is the process of collecting, processing, and analyzing data generated by IoT devices. This involves transforming raw data into meaningful insights and actionable knowledge. With an increasing number of connected devices, access to valuable information is expanding rapidly, with projections indicating over 25.40 billion IoT-connected devices in the next six years.

Key Components of IoT Analytics

Data Collection: IoT devices are equipped with sensors that gather various data, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and motion, which is then sent to a central server or cloud platform.

Data Storage: The vast amount of data generated requires robust storage systems capable of handling its volume, speed, and variety.

Data Processing: Collected data must be cleaned, transformed, and organized for analysis to extract valuable insights.

Data Analysis: Various techniques and tools are employed to uncover patterns, trends, and connections within the processed data.

Visualization and Reporting: Insights are presented visually through charts, graphs, and dashboards, making them easier to understand and interpret.

Organizations can leverage IoT analytics to gain insights, improve operations, and make informed decisions across diverse fields, including manufacturing and healthcare.

Applications of IoT Analytics

Predictive Maintenance: IoT analytics enables the monitoring of equipment conditions and prediction of maintenance needs, reducing downtime and improving planning.

Industrial Optimization: Industries like manufacturing, transportation, and utilities can enhance efficiency, product quality, and customer service by analyzing IoT data.

Smart Agriculture: By analyzing data from sensors and weather stations, farmers can optimize irrigation, predict crop yields, and make informed decisions to boost productivity and minimize waste.

Healthcare: IoT is transforming healthcare with remote patient monitoring, real-time health tracking, and personalized care. Analyzing data from wearable devices and medical sensors provides valuable insights for improving diagnostics and treatment outcomes.

Smart Cities: IoT analytics is crucial for building smart cities by optimizing transportation, managing resources efficiently, and enhancing urban planning through data analysis from traffic, environmental, and energy sensors.

Supply Chain Optimization: By tracking inventory, monitoring logistics, and predicting demand, IoT data can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

Challenges of IoT Analytics

Data Management: Managing the massive and diverse data generated by IoT devices is complex and resource-intensive, requiring careful handling of various data formats.

Storage and Scaling: Traditional storage systems may struggle with the scale and speed of IoT data, necessitating robust and scalable solutions.

Real-Time Processing: Timely decision-making demands real-time or near-real-time processing of data streams, emphasizing low latency and high throughput.

Security and Privacy: Protecting sensitive IoT data from unauthorized access and adhering to privacy regulations is critical, requiring robust encryption and compliance measures.

Interoperability and Integration: Integrating IoT devices and systems from different vendors using various protocols and standards is challenging, demanding seamless data integration.

Future Outlook

The future of IoT analytics is promising, with potential advancements in predictive maintenance, optimized operations, personalized healthcare, and efficient resource management. As connectivity and data generation continue to grow, organizations must address challenges like data security, scalability, and interoperability. By effectively collecting, processing, and analyzing IoT data, businesses can drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new levels of productivity and connectivity in our evolving world.

[ashimbisresearch]

Global and Regional Analysis on the Satellite Imaging for Agriculture Market | BIS Research

In the pursuit of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, the use of satellite imaging has emerged as a transformative tool for farmers worldwide. By harnessing the power of satellite technology and remote sensing, farmers can obtain critical data and insights about their fields, enabling them to make informed decisions, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall crop productivity.

Need for Advanced Agricultural Monitoring

As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food increases accordingly. The agriculture industry faces the challenge of producing more food while minimizing environmental impact and resource consumption. Satellite imaging for agriculture offers a solution by providing farmers with comprehensive and real-time data about their crops, enabling them to monitor and manage their fields with precision and efficiency.

According to BIS Research, the global Satellite Imaging for Agriculture Market was valued at $516.1 million in 2022, and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.50% during the forecast period 2023-2028 to reach $785.3 million by 2028.

Understanding Satellite Imaging for Agriculture

Satellite imaging involves the capture and analysis of imagery and data obtained by Earth observation satellites orbiting our planet. These satellites capture images across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible, near-infrared, and thermal wavelengths. By analyzing these images, farmers can gain valuable insights into various aspects of their agricultural operations, such as crop health, soil moisture, vegetation indices, and crop yield estimation.

Key Market Applications in Agriculture

Satellite imaging for agriculture finds diverse applications that revolutionize farming practices:

Crop Health Monitoring:

Satellite imagery provides insights into crop health and vitality.

Vegetation indices derived from satellite images help identify stress, deficiencies, diseases, or pest infestations.

Timely interventions based on satellite data can mitigate crop losses and optimize yield.

Access More: Get FREE Detailed Insights on Satellite Imaging for Agriculture Market Research.

Precision Agriculture:

Satellite imaging enables precision agriculture by mapping variations in soil moisture, nutrients, and crop growth.

Farmers can tailor inputs such as irrigation and fertilization to specific areas of their fields.

This precision approach optimizes resource utilization and enhances sustainability.

Crop Monitoring and Yield Estimation:

Satellite imagery facilitates continuous monitoring of crop growth and development.

Analysis of vegetation patterns and biomass accumulation helps estimate crop yields.

Farmers can plan harvest schedules and optimize logistics based on satellite data.

Land Management and Environmental Impact Assessment:

Satellite imaging supports land management and environmental impact assessment.

It helps monitor land use changes, deforestation, erosion, and agricultural impact on water bodies.

This information is crucial for sustainable land management and regulatory compliance.

Market Growth Drivers, Future Outlook, Challenges and Opportunities

Market Growth Drivers:

The satellite imaging for agriculture market is experiencing significant growth.

Advancements in satellite technology are driving market expansion.

Increased accessibility to satellite imagery is fueling the adoption of remote sensing data in agriculture.

Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms is enhancing market growth.

Future Potential:

The future holds immense potential for satellite imaging in agriculture.

More farmers are embracing satellite technology to optimize their operations.

Satellite imaging contributes to global food security by improving agricultural practices.

Market Challenges:

Challenges exist in data interpretation, cloud cover, and spatial resolution limitations.

However, ongoing advancements in satellite technology and data processing techniques offer opportunities to overcome these challenges.

Collaboration and Opportunities:

Collaboration between satellite providers and agricultural stakeholders is crucial.

Partnerships between government agencies, private satellite companies, and agriculture-focused organizations can facilitate tailored solutions.

Democratization of satellite data access for farmers across different regions and scales of operation is essential.

Conclusion

Satellite imaging for agriculture is transforming the way farmers monitor, manage, and optimize their fields. By leveraging this technology, farmers gain access to critical information about crop health, resource utilization, and environmental impact. The Global Satellite Imaging for Agriculture Industry is poised for continued growth, driven by technological advancements, decreasing costs, and the increasing need for sustainable agricultural practices. As we look to the future, satellite imaging will play a pivotal role in enhancing global food production and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

[oliviadlima]

Fog Networking Market Drivers Shaping Future Growth

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Fog Networking Market, by Component (Hardware, Software, Service), by Application (Building and Home Automation, Smart Manufacturing, Connected Healthcare, Smart Energy, Transportation and Logistics, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023–2032”. The fog networking market was valued at $218.46 million in 2022, and is estimated to reach $7.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 43.5% from 2023 to 2032.

Fog networking refers to a decentralized approach to network architecture that brings computing resources and data storage closer to the edge of the network, rather than relying solely on centralized cloud services. It aims to reduce latency and improve performance by enabling data processing and storage to occur at or near the network devices themselves, such as routers, switches, and other edge devices.

Furthermore, major market players have undertaken various strategies to increase the competition and offer enhanced services to their customers. For instance, in May 2023, Arista networks expanded to the cloud fog, offering Wide-area networking (WAN) and artificial intelligence (AI) use cases, which are driving development for the market. Furthermore, it visibility into cloud spending from its largest customers has been reduced to six months from 12 months previously, indicating a decline in long-term visibility. Therefore, such strategy helps to grow the fog networking market analysis.

On the basis of application, the smart manufacturing segment attained the highest market share in 2022 in the fog networking industry. This can be attributed to the increasing adoption of fog networking technologies in manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, optimize operations, and improve overall efficiency. However, the transportation and logistics segment is forecasted to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. This growth is driven by several factors such as the transportation and logistics industry is experiencing significant digital transformation and adopting fog networking solutions to optimize supply chain management, streamline logistics operations, and improve overall efficiency. Fog computing enables real-time tracking, route optimization, and enhanced visibility, allowing businesses to respond promptly to changing market demands and deliver goods faster and more reliably.

Region wise, North America witnessed the highest growth in 2022. This is because the market in North America is experiencing a surge in adoption driven by IoT proliferation, low-latency requirements, data privacy concerns, and collaborative efforts to build comprehensive fog computing ecosystems. In addition, the increasing adoption of IoT devices, the convergence with 5G networks, and the development of smart cities in North America contribute to the growth of fog networking market in this region. However, the Asia-Pacific region is considered to be the fastest growing region during the fog networking market forecast period. This is because several governments in the Asia-Pacific region have recognized the potential of fog networking and have launched initiatives to support its development. For instance, Japan has been promoting the concept of “Society 5.0,” which envisions a human-centered society powered by advanced technologies such as fog computing.

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/111530

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the fog networking market size. Fog networking, which involves distributing computing resources closer to the network edge, experienced both challenges and opportunities during this time. With the sudden surge in remote work and increased reliance on digital technologies, there was a heightened need for edge computing solutions to ensure low-latency data processing and improved network performance. As a result, the demand for fog networking solutions, such as edge servers and edge computing platforms, witnessed a significant boost. However, the pandemic also disrupted global supply chains and led to uncertainties in the market, causing delays in deployment and hindering the growth of fog networking projects. Despite these challenges, the overall impact of COVID-19 on the fog networking market was a mix of increased demand and temporary setbacks, with the long-term potential for growth remaining strong as organizations recognize the value of edge computing in a post-pandemic world.

Key Findings of the Study

By component, the hardware segment accounted for the highest fog networking market share in 2022.

By application, the smart manufacturing segment accounted for the highest fog networking market share in 2022

By region, North America generated the highest revenue in 2022.

The report analyzes the profiles of key players operating in the fog networking industry such as Arista Networks, Inc., Amazon Web Services, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Dell Inc., Fujitsu, Google Cloud Platform, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., IBM Corporation, Intel Corporation., and Microsoft Corporation. These players have adopted various strategies to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the fog networking market.

About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of “Market Research Reports Insights” and “Business Intelligence Solutions.” AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

[instantpay]

Navigating the Gig Economy: How Instantpay is Transforming Financial Management for Freelancers

Aiding freelancers with tailored financial solutions, Instantpay revolutionizes India's gig economy. As the gig landscape grows, it addresses payment stability, financial management, and competition. 

Neo banks like Instantpay offer accessible onboarding, expense cards, real-time payment links, and working capital loans to empower freelancers. 

Real-world scenarios highlight its effectiveness in simplifying payment processes and streamlining expense tracking. This dynamic gig economy, driven by evolving technology and work dynamics, relies on neo banks like Instantpay to meet freelancers' financial needs.

Understanding the Gig Economy 

The traditional 9-to-5 job, which once held a near-monopoly on financial stability, has significantly transformed in recent years. This change has been driven by the emergence of the gig economy as a new working style. In this landscape, individuals increasingly turn to freelancing and independent work as viable alternatives to the conventional employment model. The gig economy is not just a fleeting trend; it signifies a fundamental change in how individuals approach work and income generation. 

So, the most obvious questions when we think about gig economy are: 

To understand the ongoing topic, Let us dive deeper into the blog.

A 'gig' is a colloquial term referring to an individual's short-term and flexible jobs or tasks, often linked to freelance or independent work. These gigs encompass various work, such as web designing, content writing, graphic designing, or any project-based task. With the rise of technology and platforms like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork, individuals have unprecedented opportunities to work independently on their terms. Since it underscores the temporary and adaptable nature of work within the gig economy

In 2023, the landscape for freelancers in India is rife with opportunities and challenges. 

On the one hand, freelancers can choose when and where they work, diversify their skill sets, and tap into a global clientele. Whereas, on the other hand they also face challenges, like irregular payments, the need for tax knowledge, and the need to manage their finances efficiently. 

Future Opportunities for Freelancers in India

1. Technological Advancements: India's gig economy is flourishing due to the widespread availability of high-speed internet and the proliferation of smartphones. These factors enable freelancers to tap into global markets and offer their services to clients from around the world. The technology infrastructure facilitates remote work and empowers freelancers with the tools they need to succeed.

2. Changing Work Preferences: Modern professionals are increasingly seeking work arrangements that offer greater flexibility and work-life balance. Freelancing offers precisely that. With the autonomy to choose projects, set their schedules, and work from anywhere, individuals can craft a lifestyle that suits them. This change in preferences is fueling the growth of the gig economy.

3. Diverse Skill Sets: India is known for its diverse talent pool, encompassing skills in IT, content writing, graphic design, digital marketing, and many other domains. The abundance of varied skill sets positions Indian freelancers as highly sought-after professionals in the global market. As businesses seek specialized services, freelancers are poised to fulfill these demands.

4. Increased Entrepreneurship: Freelancing often serves as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship. Many freelancers eventually transform into business owners, contributing to the growth of India's startup ecosystem. This dual role of freelancers, as both independent workers and potential entrepreneurs, adds a unique dimension to the gig economy's expansion.

In addressing the financial needs of freelancers, neo-banks and innovative financial solutions play a crucial role, primarily operating in the digital realm. Given their entirely digital nature, freelancers frequently explore digital tools to manage their financial affairs effectively.

Neo banks are digital-first, branchless banks that offer specialized services tailored to the gig economy and freelancers. The challenges faced by gig workers are then actively addressed by the fintech companies like Instantpay catering to specific financial needs of freelancers.

They provide tools and products to help freelancers manage their income, save for taxes, access credit, and more. Instantpay plays a crucial role in supporting gig workers by offering on-demand payment solutions. 

Challenges Faced by Freelancers

The gig economy's allure is undeniable, offering unparalleled freedom and autonomy. However, it comes with a set of new and evolving challenges in 2023 which can vary depending on their industry, experience, and individual circumstances. Some common challenges faced by freelancers include:

Irregular and Delayed Payments: Freelancers often grapple with the substantial hurdle of maintaining a steady income. This obstacle arises primarily from the inconsistent nature of projects and clients, which, when compounded by economic uncertainties, can hinder their ability to accurately forecast and efficiently manage their cash flows.

Financial Management: Freelancers must take on the responsibility of managing their finances comprehensively. This includes tracking income, deducting taxes, budgeting, etc. The absence of traditional employment benefits, such as insurance and retirement plans, necessitates proactive financial planning. 

Competition: As more individuals transition to freelancing, competition in the market intensifies. It becomes crucial for freelancers to differentiate themselves, build a strong personal brand, and find effective strategies to secure clients. Standing out in a crowded market can be a daunting task. 

Cybersecurity: The majority of freelancing work occurs online, exposing freelancers to various cybersecurity threats. Data breaches, phishing attacks, and online fraud have become more prevalent, making it essential for freelancers to take measures to protect their digital assets and personal information.

How Neo Banks Are Reshaping the Gig Economy

Neo banks are digital-only financial institutions that have emerged as a transformative force in the gig economy. They offer innovative solutions that cater specifically to the financial needs of freelancers and independent workers.

Instantpay, a modern business banking platform in India, has been gaining prominence by reshaping the gig economy through a range of tailored financial products for freelancers and professionals. As a digital-only financial institution, Instantpay offers a suite of convenient services through its mobile app and web dashboard. 

For freelancers, these services include instant payments, expense tracking, banking solutions, and more. Additionally, Instantpay provides credit products like working capital loans designed to address the unique financial needs of freelancers. With their straightforward account setup process and user-friendly interface, Instantpay is simplifying financial management for freelancers in an increasingly digital and dynamic gig economy landscape. It's crucial to verify their specific offerings and updates in this evolving sector. 

Let’s elaborate on the features offered by Instantpay :

Instantpay provides freelancers with quick and convenient onboarding processes. This means that they can open accounts, access financial services, and manage their finances without the need to visit physical bank branches. This level of accessibility aligns perfectly with the flexible nature of freelancing.

Instantpay offers expense cards that freelancers can use for work-related purchases. These cards come with integrated expense tracking tools that make managing work-related expenses seamless. This feature aids freelancers in maintaining control over their finances.

Instantpay also enables freelancers to generate real-time payment links. This feature streamlines the process of receiving payments from clients. Freelancers can send these links directly to clients, making it easier for clients to pay promptly, ultimately enhancing cash flow.

Quick and convenient application Working capital loans offer a fast and straightforward application process, allowing businesses to access the necessary funds without the extensive paperwork and long approval times often associated with traditional loans. This quick and convenient onboarding process aligns with the need for businesses to address their immediate financial needs efficiently.

Let's explore some real-world use cases to illustrate how Instantpay's products cater to the needs of freelancers in India within the gig economy.

Meet Rahul, a freelance web developer based in India. He has just completed a web development project for a client based in Mumbai, India . Rahul needs a seamless way to receive payment securely and promptly. He turns to Instantpay's collection link feature.

Rahul generates a payment link through his Instantpay account, specifying the project details, payment amount, and due date. He shares the link with his client via email. The client clicks on the link, verifies the payment details, and makes the payment using their preferred payment method, such as credit card or UPI (Unified Payments Interface). The payment goes directly into Rahul's Instantpay account.

This use case highlights how Instantpay's payment links simplify the payment process for freelancers, ensuring they receive payments efficiently and maintain financial transparency with their clients.

Meet Priya, a freelance graphic designer who often incurs various work-related expenses, such as software subscriptions, design assets, and office supplies. Priya struggles to keep track of these expenses and needs a better way to manage her finances while separating personal and business expenses.

Priya applies for an Instantpay expense card, which is controlled by her Instantpay app. Whenever she makes a purchase, she uses her expense card. Instantpay's integrated expense tracking tools automatically categorize these expenses, making it easier for Priya to monitor her spending.

At the end of the month, Priya can review her expenses and easily identify which ones are tax-deductible. This not only simplifies her financial management but also streamlines her tax planning.

This use case showcases how Instantpay's expense cards help freelancers like Priya efficiently manage their work-related expenses, saving them time and effort on financial record-keeping.

Meet Arjun, a freelance content writer who frequently collaborates with clients from various industries. He's looking for a banking solution that provides him with the flexibility to receive payments, manage funds, and access essential banking services without the constraints of a traditional bank account.

Arjun opens a digital current account with Instantpay, which offers the convenience and flexibility he needs. With this account, he can receive payments from clients and directly manage his freelance income. He also enjoys access to digital banking services, including fund transfers, bill payments, and account statements.

The digital current account ensures that Arjun has a secure and user-friendly platform to handle his finances, which is essential for his freelancing career.

This use case underscores how Instantpay powered digital bank current accounts cater to the specific needs of freelancers like Arjun, offering a practical and versatile financial solution for their freelance work.

Final Words 

The gig economy has emerged as a transformative force, offering both opportunities and challenges for freelancers in India and beyond. It represents a fundamental shift in how people approach income generation, driven by factors like technology, changing work preferences, and a diverse pool of skills. As of 2023, the gig economy in India is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating an increase in the gig workforce.

While the gig economy offers freelancers unprecedented freedom and autonomy, it also presents challenges, such as income stability, financial management, competition, and cybersecurity concerns. Instantpay is flawlessly addressing these challenges and helping freelancers navigate the evolving landscape of the gig economy in India.

Neo Banks like Instantpay have emerged as transformative financial institutions, catering specifically to the needs of freelancers and independent workers within the gig economy. They offer a range of services, including seamless onboarding, expense cards, real-time payment links, and working capital loans, to address the unique financial challenges faced by freelancers.

Real-world use cases illustrate how Instantpay's products benefit freelancers by simplifying payment processes, streamlining expense tracking, and providing versatile digital current accounts. Overall, the gig economy continues to evolve, driven by technology and changing work dynamics, with neo banks like Instantpay playing a pivotal role in supporting the financial needs of freelancers in this dynamic landscape.

[govindhtech]

Collaborative Success Using Azure Space

Innovation acceleration with Azure Space and partners

Azure Space innovates

entire space industry use examples, including:

Actual examples of Azure Orbital Ground Station assisting space organisations and entrepreneurs launch satellites.

Planetary Computer, a petabyte-storage Azure Spaces expansion. With new Esri and Synthetaic agreements, we can give customers rapid earth observation data insights.

When Microsoft released Azure Space in 2020, we saw an opportunity to design modern solutions with future potential. Our proven partner-first approach let us quickly rethink traditional space products, create new software-based capabilities, and lower space ecosystem costs.

Partner-first has enabled us quickly turn vision into solutions. We released early results in October 2020 that combined Azure with a global ground station operation, delivered reliable hyperscale cloud connectivity, and initiated a transformational satellite communications virtualization programme.

Azure customers

Since then, established satellite operators and exciting new start-ups have redefined on-orbit capabilities. Startups, government agencies, and enterprises are testing novel form factor satellites, using Earth observation data to generate actionable insights, and staying connected in uncertain global conditions.

We are fast developing with our partners to enable space operators new ways to solve recurring problems and grasp new possibilities in the growing space sector.

The Azure Orbital Ground Station serves consumers worldwide

Ground stations as a service, a space industry breakthrough, uses cloud computing. Terrestrial stations have considerably decreased one of the most expensive space access barriers. NASA and Muon Space use Microsoft Azure Orbital Ground Station a year after its general availability.

KSAT and Azure OGS improve NASA earth science data delivery

The NASA Langley Research Centre and Goddard Space Flight Centre, KSAT, and Microsoft demonstrated technology. Cloud data collection, processing, and distribution of near-real-time Earth Science data were shown.

The teams tested KSAT and Microsoft Azure Orbital Ground Station communication with NASA and NOAA satellites Terra, Aqua, Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership, and JPSS-1/NOAA-20.

The Azure demo showed Microsoft and KSAT data transfer to NASA’s virtual network in real time. NASA Azure compute and storage services can process satellite data from raw to processed lowering latency from 3-6 hours to under 25 minutes for some data products.

NASA added ground station access using a single API, direct backhaul into Azure, cross-region delivery, and a consistent data format experience by merging Microsoft and KSAT.

Azure Orbital Ground Station and MuSat-1 launch well

Muon Space selected Azure Orbital Ground Station as MuSat 1’s sole ground station for June 2023. Muon Space communicated with Azure Orbital Ground Station in six minutes after SpaceX Transporter 10 launched MuSat 1.1 Microsoft base stations globally communicate with MuSat 1 from LEOP to on-orbit operations. Cloud-only Azure Orbital Ground Station. Muon Space may employ a proprietary modem and a revolutionary virtual RF solution without hardware.

Our ground station partner was essential because we’re building constellations of multiband remote sensing satellites with unique revisit, resolution, and data latency. Muon launched our constellation with Azure Orbital Ground Station because to its capabilities and product roadmap. Working on-site with Microsoft allows us focus on gathering and sharing climate intelligence with customers.”

Ability to quickly analyse massive space data

The same method is revolutionising geospatial data as we welcome Planetary Computer to Azure Space. Geospatial platform Planetary Computer is strong. It has a multi-petabyte database of global multi-source data, intuitive APIs, a flexible scientific environment, and apps that solve global data issues for different stakeholders. Academics, scientists, students, and organisations worldwide make millions of API calls per month.

With Planetary Computer joining Azure Space, we’re changing partner relationships. We are expanding the catalogue to enable new possibilities and partnerships that will provide people access to one of the greatest Earth observation data sets petabytes of potential for understanding our environment. Our partner-first approach will integrate Esri and Synthetaic’s vital capabilities into our platform and ecosystem. Customers may acquire insights from space data at previously unthinkable speed and scale with Synthetaic’s RAIC data analysis and Esri’s ArcGIS data visualisation.

Planetary Computer aims to create a carbon-negative, water-positive, zero-waste company by 2030 by studying our globe. Annapolis, Maryland’s charity Chesapeake Conservancy shows how Planetary Computer may help any organisation achieve its environmental aims.

The Chesapeake Conservancy is leading a regional campaign to protect 30% of the watershed by 2030 using precision conservation to optimise resources and protect land with the greatest value for water quality, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and commerce.

We designed an AI system with Microsoft Azure to map ground-mounted solar arrays using up to date satellite data, allowing us to track one of the fastest drivers of land use change in the watershed, Joel Dunn, CEO, Chesapeake Conservancy. Moving forward, we must contextualise these data within a complete land use picture. We look forward to working with Microsoft and their partners to offer 1 meter land use data more routinely and accurately to monitor the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”

The video shows how our partners’ tools and Microsoft Planetary Computer can help customers like Chesapeake Conservancy use artificial intelligence and groundbreaking data to conserve landscapes vital to the Bay’s health and cultural heritage while equitably connecting people to the Chesapeake.

The space business has advanced tremendously since the 1950s. Progress has been slow and expensive. It required governments to invest heavily in specialised, rigid, and hard to integrate satellite constellations and ground infrastructure.

The future of Azure Space

A Microsoft Planetary Computer-based Azure Space Data solution will deliver an end-to-end space fabric with ubiquitous connectivity, robustness, and real-time global insights. We are thrilled to open this platform to the numerous large and small space firms shaping the future. We look forward to working with those authoring humanity’s next chapter beyond Earth.

[careernaksha2]

The Rise of Remote Work: How to Thrive in the Digital Job Market?

Remote working means working from anywhere in the world instead of a traditional office. What are its benefits? Let us explore more about it.

Explore- Rise of Remote Work 2023

Let us know why remote work has been on a continuous rise.

Under this, employees can work at their own pace and enjoy the comforting atmosphere of their homes. But, this culture has become more popular in India after COVID-19 restrictions implied in the country. More than 60% of the employees considered remote work the best output-driven work model, followed by the hybrid work model (42%). This raises a question- What is a hybrid work model, and how is it different from a remote work model?

Hybrid Work Model in India

In the hybrid work model, employees divide their time between remote work and office work. This allows for greater flexibility in the workplace and can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of hybrid business models in India, as many companies have been forced to work remotely to maintain collaboration.

Key benefits included in the hybrid work model:

Versatile office space

Increased productivity

Less time spent on commuting to the office and improved work-life balance

Employees also save money on travel, daily meals and other expenses.

Top reasons why companies should allow employees to work remotely

With everyone working remotely, what has quickly become apparent for many office-based teams is that employees can be more productive and focused even more when they are away from the office. Employers everywhere are starting to realize that remote work is a real business. Below are some reasons explaining why companies should allow employees to work remotely.

1. Increased productivity and efficiency

Phone calls generally result in fewer interruptions, fewer office politics, quieter noise, and fewer (or more effective) meetings. Add to that a lack of travel, remote workers typically have more time and fewer distractions, and productivity increases, a huge benefit of working from home for both employees and employers. Working remotely allows employees and companies to focus on what matters- Getting work done.

2. A place of independence

One of the biggest advantages of remote travel is a broader range of job opportunities not limited by geographical location. This can be especially helpful for job seekers in rural and suburban areas with few local positions. You don’t have to live near a major city to find a job you love working remotely.

3. Excellent work-life balance

Many remote services also have flexible scheduling, meaning employees can start and end their day as they please, as long as they've done their work and produced strong results. This control over your schedule can be serviceable and of great value when taking care of yourself and the necessities of life. Whether dropping the kids off at school, running errands, taking an online fitness class in the morning, or going home to a professional, it's easy to balance these tasks while working from home.

4. Less stress about travelling

Commuting time is only one of the problems with commuting. One-way commutes of more than 30 minutes per day are associated with increased levels of stress and anxiety. Research shows that commuting 10 miles per day is associated with health issues, e.g. High cholesterol levels, Rise in Blood sugar levels and dementia.

Eating back and forth supports your mental and physical health. Saving time allows you to focus on the things that matter outside of work, like getting more sleep in the morning, spending more time with family, exercising and engaging in a healthy lifestyle.

On the other hand, employees should consider the constraints of their work life before discussing accepting roles related to telecommuting or allowing their supervisors to work remotely.

Future of Remote Work in Digital Market-2023

The future of remote work is a bright prospect. The Internet has been an integral part of modern life since its inception, and its popularity is growing as technology advances.

The remote work landscape in 2023 is expected to be very different than it is today. With the rise of virtual reality, 5G technology and AI-powered software, employees worldwide will benefit from increased connectivity, improved security and greater flexibility to work from home.

This unlocks factors responsible for advancement in technology:

AI and 5G Online collaboration

Telephonic Conferencing

New AI-Powered Software

The remote work landscape will change dramatically by 2023. The rise of VR, 5G technology and AI-powered software will make remote work more immersive and seamless than ever before. These enhancements will allow remote workers to work from anywhere, create anonymous workspaces, and see increased security against potential threats. With these changes, remote work will become more flexible and efficient than it is today.

Who can survive in a technologically-advanced job market?

Anyone can survive the technological advances in business if they are willing to change and learn new skills. The key to success in business technological development is the ability to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.

This requires a willingness to learn new things and stay updated with the latest developments in your field. It also requires a willingness to be flexible and adapt to new work environments and technologies. In the technological evolution of business, the most successful employees are willing to embrace change and continuously improve their skills.

Professionals who can survive in the digital job market:

Flexible, open to learning and willing to continuously develop their skills can survive in a technologically advanced job market, including a good understanding of digital tools, programming languages, data analytics, project management, cyber security, and other internal technical skills.

Individuals who are growth-minded, embrace innovation and are willing to keep up with emerging trends and technology will benefit.

Employees with technical and soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership, will be sought. These individuals can effectively collaborate, contribute creative solutions, and communicate ideas in a technology-driven work environment.

One who is self-motivated and disciplined, stays focused, meets deadlines, and performs well without constant supervision.

One can use many skills to survive in this trending digital job market that can also pay well. To know more in detail, click here.

The remote work program has become increasingly popular in recent years, with advancements in technology and changing attitudes towards work-life integration helping to boost it. More and more organizations are embracing remote work to attract and retain top talent, increasing productivity and reducing costs associated with traditional office space.

Visit : https://www.careernaksha.com/cities/vadodara

[thelistingteammiami]

What Does the Housing Market Predict About Investment Property?

Living in a post-pandemic world and an economic recession does strange things to an already-struggling housing market. Investment property owners and entrepreneurs hoping to enter the market are looking toward 2023’s most recent data to determine how rentals will look moving into the rest of the year and onward.

As supply and demand shift across the nation and here in Florida, you’ll notice market trends may also change subtly this year. Take a look at these important considerations before buying or selling any new properties.

Location

The pandemic encouraged a trend of moving out of cities and into more rural and suburban areas, with people looking for ways to reduce their exposure and expenses. Even now, families are flocking to the country to pursue the slower lifestyle they became accustomed to during the shutdowns. Remote work is also still high, with 35% of workers whose job can be done from home doing so full-time — up from just 7% in the pre-pandemic world. The freedom to work from anywhere means more employees can leave the city. These trends have a significant impact on the real estate market. Investors will need to focus less on popular metropolitan areas and tourist destinations in favor of up-and-coming rural and suburban towns. 

Type of Property

Current market trends may also dictate the type of investment property you ultimately decide to prioritize. The economic downturn lowered most families’ discretionary income, meaning they’ll likely be traveling less. In fact, of the people not going on a vacation this year, 58% say it’s because they can’t afford to, which is up 10% over last year. Instead, families and singles are saving their money for necessary living expenses like rent. 

Landlords investing in long-term rental units may have an easier time making a profit this year and into the near future. Short-term rentals may struggle to secure consistent bookings, depending on the location and available property amenities. Airbnb-style offerings must rise well above the competition to stay afloat. Focus on finding ways to stand out and improve these properties.

Size of Residence

With the looming recession affecting everyone’s housing budgets, more people are ditching their single-bedroom residences to find roommates or live with family. Small apartments are looking less desirable since fewer people can afford them with their current income. Across the nation, rental occupancy rates are down as the demand reached its lowest level in 13 years at the end of 2022. Getting into investment properties is still possible for those willing to think outside the box. Apartments with multiple bedrooms and single-family homes are more likely to see a good return on investment. You’ll need to improve your amenities and offer competitive rates to draw in good renters. High-speed Wi-Fi is a must, and potential occupants will be looking for extras like smart doorbells and upgraded kitchens.

Housing Costs and Mortgage Rates

After 131 months of record-increasing median prices, housing costs are finally starting to adjust downward. However, home sale rates are also starting to fall despite the still competitive nature of the current market. The supply of homes is still low, and the economic downturn and continuing high mortgage rates are making purchasing and renting more expensive.

Experts across the board are uncertain how these factors will play into one another as the year progresses, with some more optimistic than others. Now more than ever, the market is location dependent. Local laws and regulations on rental units and household movement trends will determine the volatility and your chances of success in a given area.

In Florida, tourism is still booming despite trends in other areas of the country. It’s reaching record-high levels, with 137.6 million people visiting last year. The current numbers reflect a 12.9% increase since 2021 and 5% from the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Plus, Florida cities currently claim half of the top 10 metropolitan areas seeing an influx of new residents. 

Forecast for Long-Term Rentals

With fewer people able to afford to buy homes, an ever-increasing number are turning to long-term rentals. In fact, in a recent survey, only 43.3% of current renters feel they’ll ever be able to own their own home. This year marks the first time the statistic has dropped below 50% since 2014. 

If you already own rental properties or have the capital to do so, you can likely turn a steady profit. The increased demand for these units means you can get a steady stream of applicants and find great renters for the right price. 

Changes to Short-Term Rental Market 

The short-term rental market is seeing significant changes that will affect the future of this investment type. Many entrepreneurs have seen what a lucrative chance these homes afford and eagerly jumped into the game.

However, the economic downturn and people still being leary of travel have created a demand issue that can’t keep up with the ever-increasing supply. Despite monetary and safety setbacks, the total short-term rental industry is at an all-time high for occupancy and revenue overall. Unfortunately, these resources are spread over far more businesses. The short-term rental industry is doing well, but many individual owners are suffering from the competition. 

As with long-term rentals, success will hinge on purchasing properties in the right areas for the right price and offering amenities and unique experiences to make you stand out from the rest of the pack.

New local and state laws are also impacting short-term rentals. Lawmakers nationwide have differing opinions on the benefits of allowing these short-term vacation homes. The high guest turnover rates and consistent influx of people make some nervous, feeling they're losing their city to tourists. However, others see the income these tourists bring as essential to the local and state economy. 

You’ll likely see several shifts in attitude over the coming years, so watch your intended locations carefully and get active in local politics to ensure your investment success. 

Is Investment Property Worth the Risk in 2023?

Most people who want to get into long or short-term rental properties watch the market for a time when mortgage rates and prices are low. This situation offers the best opportunity to turn a solid profit. 

However, waiting and watching can take forever — your “right” moment may never come. The real estate market is tricky to predict. For example, 2020 brought hurdles no one could have predicted. Some states, like Florida, were in a real estate boom, while metropolitan cities like New York and San Francisco suffered. As with stocks and other investments, time in the market tends to be a better strategy than timing the market.

[webuypropertiesblog]

Unlock the Real Estate Secrets of 2023

Are you looking to understand the real estate economics of 2023? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explain the economic trends that are shaping the real estate market and how they will affect the market in the upcoming years. We'll cover topics such as supply and demand, inflation, and the effects of taxation on real estate prices. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or just interested in learning more about real estate economics, you’ll find plenty of information here to help you understand the economic dynamics of the market. The current state of the Real Estate economy The economic environment is an ever-changing landscape, and it’s essential to stay informed about the various factors that can affect your financial future. From home economics to broader economic indicators, it’s important to understand the definitions of economics in order to stay up-to-date with the current state of the economy. The global economy is currently in a period of recovery after the disruption caused by the pandemic. Consumer spending is driving much of the economic growth, but businesses are continuing to adjust to the new normal of social distancing and remote work. Low interest rates have created a favorable environment for investment, while inflation has been kept in check by a combination of slow job growth and rising wages. At the same time, there is a growing focus on sustainability, which is likely to shape the economic landscape in the coming years. Technology is revolutionizing how we work, and could further transform the global economy in the near future. It’s important to stay up to date on all these developments and their potential impact on the economy. In the US, the housing market continues to be a key driver of economic activity. Low mortgage rates are encouraging buyers to enter the market and helping to drive up prices. The overall outlook for real estate remains positive, as home sales continue to rise despite pandemic-related disruptions. All these factors combine to create an uncertain economic climate that can have far-reaching implications for businesses and individuals alike. Understanding the current state of the economy is critical to making informed decisions and navigating a path to financial security. How real estate will be affected The current state of the economy and real estate market in 2023 will be highly influenced by home economics. Home economics is an important branch of economics that is concerned with the production, consumption and management of resources in the home. In terms of real estate, this means studying how the supply and demand of housing affects the market. When it comes to the economics definition, real estate is essentially a limited resource. This means that supply is often lower than demand and can cause pricing to be affected by market conditions. In 2023, we can expect that the limited supply of homes and property will cause prices to remain high, making it difficult for buyers to purchase property. On the other hand, sellers may benefit from the increased demand for homes. With fewer homes available, buyers may be willing to pay a higher price for the same property, allowing sellers to fetch a larger profit. Investors may also benefit from this situation as they can take advantage of the increased demand and high prices to purchase and flip homes. What this means for buyers With the current state of the economy in 2023, it is important to understand the home economics of the real estate market. According to the economics definition, an economy is a system that produces, distributes and consumes goods and services. When it comes to real estate, this means that the demand and supply of properties will affect the prices. For buyers in the market for a new home, this means that you may have more bargaining power when it comes to negotiating on price. As the demand for homes increases, there is likely to be an increase in competition between buyers. This could lead to lower prices and better conditions for buyers. At the same time, buyers should keep an eye on interest rates and availability of mortgage products as these can both have an effect on affordability. In addition, it is also important to be aware of any restrictions or additional taxes that may be imposed by local authorities as this could also affect affordability. Finally, buyers should be aware of their own budget and needs when it comes to purchasing a home. This is especially true in times when there is less stability in the market and more uncertainty around the future of the economy. By researching and understanding the market, buyers can make sure they get the best deal possible when it comes to buying a property. What this means for sellers When it comes to real estate economics in 2023, sellers need to understand the potential impact on their home sale. The current state of the economy will affect what buyers are willing to pay, and therefore how much a seller can receive for their home. A basic economics definition is that supply and demand will determine the price of a commodity. If more people want a certain item than is available, the price increases. Conversely, if there is an abundance of an item, prices decrease. In the current economy, there is an excess of homes on the market and buyer demand is decreasing. This means that buyers are less likely to bid high for a home and sellers need to be aware of this when setting their asking price. With fewer buyers out there and more homes on the market, the competition for those buyers is increased and sellers may need to adjust their pricing expectations accordingly. Sellers should also be prepared to wait a little longer before finding a buyer. It may take more time to find a serious buyer who is willing to commit to a purchase at a reasonable price. As such, it is important to be patient during the process, as well as open to negotiation. Home economics suggest that taking these precautions could help sellers receive the best possible outcome in 2023. What this means for investors Investors who are looking to make money in real estate need to be aware of the current economic conditions, as well as the projected changes for 2023. One way to understand the home economics of investing in real estate is to look at the economics definition of investment: the use of money or other resources in order to gain a future benefit. With this in mind, investors should consider the following when deciding whether or not to invest in real estate in 2023: • The potential return on investment – When looking at potential investments, investors should take into account what their potential returns could be. This means considering not only the short-term gains but also the long-term benefits that can come from investing in real estate. • The market conditions – Investors should research the local real estate market and its trends in order to determine if it is a good time to invest in that particular area. • The risk – Every investment carries some level of risk. Real estate is no different. It is important for investors to calculate the risks associated with each investment in order to determine if it is worth taking on. By taking the time to analyze and understand the current state of the real estate market, investors can better prepare themselves for the potential changes and effects that may come with investing in real estate in 2023. For more valuable content about real estate visit our blog at: https://xpertsinvestments.com/blog-real-estate/ If, on the other hand, you are thinking of selling your residential property, visit us at: www.conradbuyhouses.com Read the full article

[deancaspinefest]

Congratulations to all the amazing artists and authors who took part in the sixth annual Dean/Cas Pinefest!

This year, thirty-five teams brought us an incredible 1,343,330 words of pine-filled fic, and 124 gorgeous works of art. We’re so proud of all our authors and artists for what they achieved during yet another difficult year, and we’re so happy to be able to share their work with the fandom.

We also want to send out an extra thank you to the pinch hitters who stepped in to help out when a few people unexpectedly withdrew, and an extra extra thank you to the numerous healthcare workers and educators in the Pinefest community, who’ve managed to bring some joy to the rest of us through their creations despite all the added stress that their fields in particular have been under 💜 

Under the cut, you’ll find links to every masterpost from the 2022 Pinefest--and you can also check out the collection on Ao3! Remember to let the authors and artists know how much you enjoyed their creations with a like, kudos, or best of all, a reblog or comment.

Don’t know how to put all your feelings into words? That’s fine! We’ve never met an artist or author who doesn’t appreciate every keysmash or flailing gif response they receive.

And lastly, for those wondering: yes, we will be back for a seventh round! 

2023 is a fake year (utter nonsense, the calendar is lying) but an official announcement for the 2023 round will come in July regardless. Follow us here on Tumblr & @deancaspinefest on Twitter to make sure you don’t miss out 🌲 

Chance Encounter

Summer Camp Chitaqua

Sequitur

Time of the Season

Against The World

Rock & Roll and Feathers

An Angel’s Tale

Rosa Damascena, or, A Rose by Any Other Name

Mr. Fix It

life was a willow

Sunflower

many the miles

It’s only teenage wasteland

The Laundromat

Dancing in the Moonlight

Baby Steps

Sincerely Yours

Dare You To Move

The Legend of the White Light

take me home

time will bring him back to you

Another Life

Don’t Have a Harp (Found Something Better)

time on our side, take me there

a certain slant of light

Maledictus Hereditas

Maybe It’s Our Turn

With the closing of one door

Fire and the Flood

A Rainforest Of Pine

Long Haul

Myosotis Sylvatica

A Five Step Guide

The Prince and the Guardian

Fallen

Ao3 Collections

2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017

[southeastasianists]

Amid record-high COVID cases, Malaysia’s newest Prime Minister from UMNO, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, was sworn in this past week. More than three years after its National Front government was voted out of power, UMNO, the largest party in the current government, regained the powerful prime minister position without an election. The change evokes a strong sense of political déjà vu, but how much is this a return to the politics of old? Here, I briefly assess the extent to which it represents a return to the pre-2018 reign of the National Front, a continuation of the most recent National Alliance government, or a new and unstable political reality. I also consider what the implications of the latest shift in the ruling elite has for the prospects of reform.

Malaysia’s political institutions: battered and circumvented

The appointment of the new prime minister comes during a bruising period for Malaysia’s political institutions. The 2018 elections brought an end to the decades-long rule of the UMNO-led National Front, but the victorious Alliance of Hope (PH) coalition government collapsed in less than two years. In its place, a fragile new government headed by Muhyiddin Yassin of the UMNO-breakaway party Bersatu brought UMNO back into the ruling coalition. For 17 months, he staved off a political reckoning by circumventing basic democratic institutions. By early 2021, with a declaration of Emergency assented to by the King, Muhyiddin halted elections and suspended parliament and state legislatures, ruling instead through his cabinet. The latter swelled to record size as he sought to shore up tenuous political support. Critical voices were punished, and all public assemblies banned—perhaps most vividly shown when riot police were deployed after opposition MPs gathered outside the suspended parliament. Yet even with these tactics, Muhyiddin was unable to stem increasing public discontent with his government’s leadership, a highly public reprimand from the King for avoiding parliamentary debate on the Emergency, and eventually a loss of support from UMNO.

Ismail Sabri’s unlikely ascension to prime minister has not deviated from the new COVID-era political normal. It marks the second time in a row that a prime minister has been selected, and governing coalition formed, without an electoral mandate or vote of confidence in parliament. Instead, Malaysia’s MPs privately indicated their preferred candidate to the King, who then declared who was most likely to command the support of a majority in parliament. In both cases, the “winning” prime ministerial candidate was backed by a slim or ambiguous majority, comprised largely of parties that had been rejected by a majority of voters in the 2018 elections.

While the Emergency ended on August 1, constraints on public gatherings remain, and its institutions are still unprepared to resume full functioning. The government has still not developed a plan for a full in-person or remote sitting of parliament, instead opting to cut down length and frequency of meetings and the number of MPs who can attend. The Elections Commission has not announced a plan on how to safely hold a national election during the pandemic, despite a number of countries successfully doing so.

An UMNO-led coalition government, but different

In this context, UMNO’s return to power without election simply seems to cap a period of democratic regression in Malaysia. But since UMNO last held national power, Malaysia’s political landscape has changed in significant ways. First, the new prime minister came to power on the thinnest of margins, with a support coalition that is almost exactly the same as his predecessor. At the time of writing, Ismail Sabri commands the support of 114 MPs—just three more than a simple majority in parliament. It is a far cry from the commanding support that UMNO’s National Front held for decades in power, or even from the solid majority that the Alliance of Hope (PH) government had until 2020.

Second, the well-ordered parties and coalitions that defined Malaysian politics for decades have fragmented. In contrast to the tight backing coalition that the party enjoyed for decades in power, UMNO’s new prime minister is backed by a mix of parties, regional coalitions, and individual MPs, with less allegiance to UMNO and even mutual antagonism. While UMNO’s internal divisions may be smoothed over by a return to power, several members of its top leadership, including current and former party presidents Zahid Hamidi and Najib Razak, have corruption cases still working their way through the courts.

The current permutation of government is still delicate and is contingent on rewarding backers with ministerships, patronage positions, and policy demands. It is too early to tell how (or whether) the new prime minister will successfully expand and stabilise his support. The government under UMNO is likely better positioned than its predecessor to hold together a coalition with a fresh prime minister. But in the near term, much political energy and focus will be spent on keeping together and expanding a fragile governing coalition. With a scheduled vote of confidence and budget deliberations looming, the new prime minister has two immediate tests to survive in the coming months.

Yet just as the current government is momentarily weak, so too is its opposition. Mostly comprised of parties from the former PH government, the opposition was sidelined throughout the Muhyiddin administration and lacked the venue of parliament to exercise oversight. Even though PH still controls a significant bloc of seats in parliament, its perennial prime ministerial candidate Anwar Ibrahim was unable to shift support to his side. For now, the public statements of the opposition suggest a conciliatory tone to the new PM, setting their sights on how to make gains in the next election, which must be held before July 2023.

Whither the reform agenda?

The need for political and institutional reform has come into even clearer relief over the past two years. Although it failed to implement many of its promises while in government, the Alliance of Hope (PH) coalition that briefly ruled after 2018, and Malaysia’s civil society organizations, have laid out comprehensive proposals for political and institutional reform.

An optimistic reading of events would see the instability and fluidity of Malaysia’s current politics as offering space to implement some of those ideas. The very tenuousness of the current government opens some avenues for reform-minded politicians to offer support in exchange for implementation of reform. At the end of his term, former prime minister Muhyiddin (allegedly in negotiation with opposition politicians) offered a number of reform proposals in exchange for the opposition’s support. Although the offer quickly fell apart, some of the proposals—including parliamentary reforms and equal allocations given to opposition MPs—suggest such reforms could become future bargaining chips for political support. Along those lines, the NGO Bersih has proposed that the opposition enter into a confidence and supply agreement with the government, ensuring a modicum of political stability while extracting reforms.

Although still hampered by COVID-justified restrictions, public discontent with the political situation and handling of COVID is increasingly visible. A white flag campaign saw Malaysians hanging flags to appeal for urgent food or financial aid; a newer movement called on Malaysians to hang black flags to display their discontent with the government and handling of the pandemic. In July, the #Lawan movement organised a protest in defiance of the bans on public gatherings. The appetite for political change appears stronger, especially compared to the muted response to the collapse of the PH government in 2020.

On the other hand, there is little to suggest that the governing parties or prime minister are interested in pursuing broad political reforms even during a period of relative weakness. UMNO has strong incentives to keep the opposition PH coalition at arm’s length while maintaining the habits of semi-democratic rule that were revived under Muhyiddin and his government. Similarly, new PM Ismail Sabri’s limited public track record does not indicate a reformist agenda. Prior to his rapid rise in the previous government, Ismail was a prominent figure in organising 2018 protests against ICERD, the UN convention on the elimination of racial discrimination, and made incendiary comments about the threat to Malay rights and supremacy by racial minorities and the majority ethnic Chinese party DAP. He is certainly not the only UMNO leader to have employed such rhetoric, but notably, he had not tried to depart from the mould.

An uncertain future

UMNO’s return to power is itself not surprising. From a comparative perspective, former dominant authoritarian parties like the PRI in Mexico and the KMT in Taiwan did not disappear after national political defeat, but instead remain enduring and important political players. In the case of Malaysia, however, the return of UMNO and many of the parties voted out in 2018 was done without elections and was accompanied by a return to authoritarian tactics to quell dissent and ensure political support.

Judging by the outpouring on social media and on the streets, ordinary Malaysians are angry at the continuous politicking and elite political machinations that have occurred since 2020. This anger has been increasingly visible as the country grapples with economic downturn and escalating cases and deaths from COVID. The instability at the top, however, is not just a question of elite positioning. Instead, it has had real social, economic, and political consequences during a national and global public health crisis. The appointment of a new prime minister does not settle the simmering intra-elite conflict. Yet Malaysia already has the appropriate institutional framework—namely elections and the parliament—to not only negotiate these conflicts and ensure effective oversight of decision making, but also to provide an opportunity for ordinary Malaysians to provide an electoral mandate to a governing coalition.

The country’s political elites have revealed a worryingly loose allegiance to these norms and institutions over the last several months. A commitment by the new government to using democratic avenues to govern and prove mass support would increase the chance of effectively dealing with the significant challenges facing the country. But a commitment to playing by the democratic rules is unlikely to be realized any time soon. The promise of the “New Malaysia” that would emerge after the historic 2018 election has been delayed again indefinitely.