In the last episode of Smartphone Nation, Niveditha and Utsav speak to Anup Agrawal Co-founder of Kiwi about how credit on UPI will educate Indians on the benefits of using credit, leading to a more economically sound future for all. Anup also shared with us his vision for the future and what impact he believes credit accessibility could possibly make. We also discover that Niveditha and Utsav are on opposite sides of the ‘credit spectrum’.

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In this episode, hosts Niveditha and Utsav engage in a conversation with Ragavan Venkatesan, Founder, MD, and CEO of Digivriddhi (DGV), focusing on the company's efforts to provide tailored financial services to dairy farmers. Ragavan also shares insights into his journey as an entrepreneur, and the obstacles he encountered along the way. Listen to this episode to know more about the need for accessible financing, especially for marginalised communities like dairy farmers, and the Next Half Billion.

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Our hosts, Niveditha and Utsav, are joined by Sameer Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Revfin, to discuss how providing access to loans has empowered financially excluded individuals, and business owners – to secure the financial backing needed for the growth of their business, and increased income. Sameer also shares insights into the challenges they encountered in their journey, and the solutions that exceeded their expectations. Listen to this candid conversation to know more about the crucial need for credit, especially in the commercial EV space, and its transformative impact on the lives of independent EV drivers, and the Next Half Billion.

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In this episode, our hosts Niveditha and Utsav are joined by Pankit Desai, the co-founder and CEO of Sequretek. He discusses the importance of cutting-edge yet affordable cybersecurity products, shares insights into the evolution of cybersecurity, and highlights Sequretek's mission to empower SMBs with affordable and high-quality automated security solutions. Tune in to this engaging conversation about technology's impact on our security online, and the crucial need for it to be accessible to everyone, especially the Next Half Billion.

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In this episode, our hosts Nivedita and Utsav chat with Radha Basu, CEO of iMerit to know about iMerit's 'two feet planted on the ground' mission, where the two primary focuses are on creating an inclusive workforce, and leveraging the power of this inclusive workforce to revolutionise the AI and ML landscape with automation, annotation, and analytics for global enterprises. Tune in to this enlightening conversation, and learn more about iMerit’s vision for a more inclusive and empowered future, especially for the underserved segments of India, and the Next Half Billion.

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Introducing a new and refreshed edition of Smartphone Nation! Join hosts Niveditha and Utsav as they engage with entrepreneurs, unraveling their journeys, and stories of impact. In this episode, Abilash Soundararajan, the founder and CEO of PrivaSapien, discusses the online dangers in our increasingly connected world, emphasising the need for better protection and privacy. He advocates for online privacy as a fundamental right, rejecting the notion that it should come with cost implications. Tune in for an insightful exploration of technology's impact on privacy, and the crucial pursuit of a safer digital space, especially for the Next Half Billion.

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Securing train tickets on short notice or opting for air travel can be both – challenging and costly for the majority of India's population. Opting for road travel, especially buses, is more affordable but comes with its own set of challenges. Right from ticket booking hassles, to timeliness, to cleanliness, and other basic amenities. Listen to this episode to explore the evolving landscape of bus travel, driven by mobility companies like Intrcity. Discover how technology and smartphones are revolutionising the bus travel experience by making it more accessible and seamless, especially for the next half billion!

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The loan application process can be overwhelming for many individuals, and dealing with monthly EMIs is often an experience we'd prefer to avoid. Nevertheless, having access to credit is paramount for both personal and business growth. Banks face challenges in serving MSMEs, encountering obstacles such as insufficient credit history or the absence of proper documentation. However, things are slowly changing for the better. Listen to this episode to discover how Non-Banking Financial Companies like Indifi are bridging the gap to facilitate easier credit access.

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Pursuing a profession that provides stable income, work-life balance, and social security perks is the quintessential Indian aspiration. But how easy is it to find such opportunities? And if you’re a daily wage worker, the quest for decent jobs characterised by humane work conditions, and timely wages is even more challenging to find. Tune in to this episode to learn how companies like Project Hero are narrowing the divide between contractors and contract workers, giving blue-collar workers a platform to easily access safe and reliable work opportunities.

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A significant percentage of India's population relies on government schemes for their livelihoods, including access to welfare programs, and gig economy jobs facilitated by smartphones. Tune in to know how organizations like Ank Aha and Aapti Institute are addressing gaps for vulnerable communities, and working towards equity, access, and justice for India's Next Half Billion as they pursue their dreams.

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The aspiration to own a home is a shared Indian dream that transcends state, cultural, and economic boundaries. Yet, navigating the process of buying property can be daunting, particularly when reliable and comprehensive property records are hard to access. Tune in to this episode and explore how companies like TEAL and Praxis Global Alliance are digitising and consolidating property records. Their efforts aim to assist citizens in saving both time and money during the home-buying process.

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In the constant effort to make governance more accessible to individuals, open-source platforms and decentralised applications focusing on civic engagement have made a significant impact. They provide people with new avenues to actively participate in decision-making processes. In this episode, we will explore how E-Gov is making service delivery more inclusive, and instilling confidence in individuals to hold authorities accountable.

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In the digital world, individuals are constantly at risk of personal and financial data compromise, leading to significant issues such as identity theft and financial fraud. Tune in to find out how companies like CloudSEK are working to enhance the security of our data, making it less vulnerable to hackers and nefarious agents on the internet.

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The internet has undeniably brought numerous advantages to women. Apart from providing employment opportunities, it has also served as a platform for women to experience a sense of community. Discover more about how Healofy has successfully created a safe space for mothers and expectant mothers to seek answers to questions that might be deemed as taboo. It also connects them with doctors and healthcare experts who can provide valuable parenting tips and insights into women's health.

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Navigating the internet can be intimidating, especially given that we don't always know who can access our data. While some of us may pause briefly to think before accepting the cookies and terms on a website or app, many of us freely agree to them – without fully understanding how our data will be used. This makes it easier for potential scammers to exploit our data, and use it against us.Tune in to this episode to discover how companies like PrivaSapien are helping make the internet a safer space with their privacy-enhancing technology.

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While India has made significant progress in promoting literacy, it still faces challenges in achieving financial literacy. Nevertheless, apps like Scripbox are making significant contributions to helping numerous users effectively handle their finances. As women increasingly enter the workforce and contribute to their family's income, there is a growing need for them to know how to manage their finances. In this podcast, we delve into how Kaleidofin is empowering women to attain financial independence by taking small steps in the right direction.

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Not everyone fully understands the benefits of having insurance, and this lack of awareness may be the reason why many of us don't prioritize it. Since insurance requirements vary from person to person, companies are now leveraging technology to bridge this gap. Tune in to this episode to know how startups like Riskcovry and Gramcover are working towards making insurance accessible by offering a wide range of options to cater to an individual's diverse and specific needs.

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Ever pondered the meaning behind the rhyme 'London Bridge is Falling Down'? It's a question that has likely crossed the minds of many Indians. Much of our early education content has been influenced by the west, making it somewhat less relatable for us. However, homegrown apps like Kutuki are revolutionizing this by emphasizing the importance of aiding children's learning with locally relevant content. Listen to the insights of teachers from Rishi Valmiki Eco School as they share how integrating Indian references and context into the learning process simplifies and enhances education.

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While the cost of groceries is on the rise, solutions have emerged in the shape of D2C applications like Otipy and DealShare. These apps are not only facilitating homegrown businesses in reaching new customers but are also forming lasting connections with farmers. This, in turn, simplifies the process of selling produce and addresses the farm-to-table challenge effectively.

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One in four individuals worldwide lacks access to safe drinking water. While achieving equitable water access in India remains a work in progress, there are startups making significant strides in this direction. Listen to Manas Ranjan Hota, co-founder of DrinkPrime, as he discusses their efforts to reduce expenses and ensure availability of clean and safe water for all – with the help of IoT tech.

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Many advocate for the internet to be considered a right rather than a privilege. Startups such as WIOM are committed to make affordable internet more accessible, thereby expanding its availability. Our conversations with residents of Shahdara in East Delhi shed light on the positive impact of this effort. They shared stories about students being able to continue learning online during COVID, and how AI tools like ChatGPT have assisted a tuition teacher in accessing reference materials for his PhD studies.

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The law is intimidating and not something the common man ever wants to get involved with. But life has its ups and downs and it’s possible you’ll have to deal with the judicial system at some point in your life. But why fear when online dispute resolution is here! We explore how PreSolv 360 is allowing for faster resolution of cases and speedier access to justice using technology.

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Did you have a library in your neighbourhood growing up? If you didn't, you're not alone. Thankfully, companies are bringing reading and writing to your smartphone, making it way more accessible. In the past few years, several writers have started their careers by being published only online. Apps like Pratilipi are making reading and writing even more accessible thereby creating an equal playing field.

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Healthcare, for a lot of Indians, isn’t as accessible as it should be. Solutions like MyUpchar, where doctors are willing to give you a diagnosis online. And Hexa Health that’s dedicated to giving you a seamless surgery experience, are slowly but surely making healthcare cheaper and more accessible.

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Everyone is part of a WhatsApp group these days, and farmers are no different. Sharing information for better farming practices is the way to go in the 21st century. With all the advancement in farming technology, awareness is important too. Homegrown companies like Krishify and FarMart are making sure no stone goes unturned in the process.

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The amount of money it takes to receive a formal education can be intimidating - but a formal education isn’t the only way. Hear from the people learning new skills and building careers through technology. People like Gyan Prakash Mishra, who got a job using an 'education' he paid for after getting a job. We also speak to Prateek Shukla, the co-founder and CEO of Masai school, who tells us about the interesting business model he came up with to overcome the affordability barrier.

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This is a show about people. About Indians who are trying to navigate a world that is increasingly online. Where there are new opportunities and new pathways to prosperity. But they exist alongside new dividing lines, new inequities and new threats.

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