Sikkim's Yakten declared India's first digital nomad village
A collaboration between the district administration and NGO Sarvahitey under the 'Nomad Sikkim' initiative, the project aims to transform strategic locations in the Himalayan State into year-round hubs for digital professionals across India and abroad, while ensuring sustainable income opportunities for homestay owners.
Officials said the initiative was fuelled by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's concern over the lack of steady income for homestay operators during the off-season, which may stretch for six months from April-May.
'If we ensure stable internet and electricity, remote workers will come to stay in the serene environs regardless of the season,' Pakyong District Collector Rohan Ramesh said at a function to launch the project.
He said the district authorities have installed two internet lines and ensured village-wide Wi-Fi connectivity, apart from providing inverters to maintain uninterrupted electricity. He added that a long-term solution to address water scarcity in the village about 32 km from the State's capital, Gangtok, has been planned under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Gyan Bahadur Subba, the president of Yakten Village Tourism Cooperative Society, hoped the initiative would end the struggle of homestay operators and other service providers to stay afloat. 'Alongside promoting this initiative, the government needs to resolve drinking water and other basic issues,' he told journalists.
MLA Pamin Lepcha, who represents Gnathang-Machong constituency, attended the launch programme.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
18 hours ago
- Business Standard
Sebi proposes single-window gateway for trusted foreign investors
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed a single-window gateway for trusted foreign investors. The window will be called SWAGAT-FI— single window automatic & generalised access for trusted foreign investors. The move aims to boost foreign investment and simplify regulatory compliance. SWAGAT-FI is designed to make India's capital markets more accessible to a select group of foreign investors objectively verified as low-risk. The initiative targets government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, and highly regulated public retail funds, which currently contribute over 70 per cent of foreign portfolio investors' (FPI) assets under custody. These entities are recognised globally for their transparency, diversified ownership, and long-term investment horizons. SWAGAT-FI aims to provide eligible investors a streamlined, single-window registration process for both FPIs and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs), reducing paperwork, cost, and regulatory complexity. Existing FPIs meeting SWAGAT-FI criteria will also be allowed to opt in for easier compliance. The proposal recommends extending the review and fee-payment cycle for registrations and KYC updates to 10 years, up from the current three- or five-year periods. Continuous disclosure of material changes will remain mandatory. Investors can, optionally, hold all their investments—whether acquired as FPI, FVCI, or through alternative investment vehicles—in a single demat account, improving efficiency and reducing duplication. Depositories will tag investments to ensure regulatory supervision. Restrictions on aggregate contributions from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and resident Indians will be removed for eligible SWAGAT-FI funds, particularly benefiting mutual funds with diversified retail bases. Sebi has said such a lighter regulatory touch approach for low-risk entities aligns with international standards, enhancing India's positioning as a premier investment destination. As of June 30, 2025, India had 11,913 registered FPIs, collectively holding assets valued at Rs 81 trillion, up from Rs 51 trillion in March 2022.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20 hours ago
- Business Standard
Sebi plans SWAGAT-FI single-window for low-risk foreign investors
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed introducing a single-window gateway for trusted foreign investors. Called SWAGAT-FI—single window automatic and generalised access for trusted foreign investors—the facility aims to boost foreign investment and simplify regulatory compliance. SWAGAT-FI is designed to make India's capital markets more accessible to a select group of foreign investors objectively verified as low-risk. The initiative targets government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, and highly regulated public retail funds, which together account for over 70 per cent of foreign portfolio investors' (FPI) assets under custody. These entities are recognised globally for their transparency, diversified ownership, and long-term investment horizons. The system will provide eligible investors with a streamlined, single-window registration process for both FPIs and foreign venture capital investors (FVCIs), reducing paperwork, cost, and regulatory complexity. Existing FPIs meeting SWAGAT-FI criteria will also be allowed to opt in for easier compliance. The proposal suggests extending the review and fee-payment cycle for registrations and KYC updates to 10 years, up from the current three- or five-year periods. Continuous disclosure of material changes will remain mandatory. Eligible investors will be able to hold all their investments—whether acquired as FPI, FVCI, or through alternative investment vehicles—in a single demat account, improving efficiency and avoiding duplication. Depositories will tag investments for regulatory supervision. Restrictions on aggregate contributions from non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and resident Indians will be removed for eligible SWAGAT-FI funds, particularly benefiting mutual funds with diversified retail bases. Sebi said that this lighter regulatory approach for low-risk entities aligns with international standards and enhances India's positioning as a premier investment destination. As of 30 June 2025, India had 11,913 registered FPIs, holding assets worth Rs 81 trillion, up from Rs 51 trillion in March 2022.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
Wired vs Wireless CCTV: What's Right for You?
In today's world, security is more important than ever. Whether you live in a metro city or a small town in India, keeping your home and family safe is a top priority. Thanks to technology, you don't have to rely only on locks and gates anymore. A CCTV camera system is one of the most effective ways to monitor your surroundings and improve safety. However, when you begin exploring CCTV options, you'll encounter two primary types: wired and wireless cameras. So, how do you choose the right one for your home or business? This blog will help you understand the key differences, pros, and cons of each system and guide you toward making the right choice, especially if you're planning to build a Smart Home Security setup. Wired CCTV Cameras: Strong and Stable Wired CCTV cameras are the traditional type of surveillance system. These cameras are connected through physical cables that transmit both power and video signals. They are often used in offices, commercial spaces, and even large homes because of their reliable performance. Advantages of Wired Systems The biggest advantage of wired CCTV cameras is that they provide a stable and continuous connection. Since the data travels through a cable, it is less likely to face issues like signal drops or interference. This makes it ideal for places where 24/7 monitoring is important. Wired systems also offer better video quality. Because they don't rely on Wi-Fi signals, the footage is usually clearer and more detailed. This can be crucial if you ever need to share footage with law enforcement. Also, there's less risk of the camera being hacked or jammed since the connection is not wireless. This can be important in high-security areas or where privacy is a concern. Disadvantages of Wired Systems However, wired CCTV cameras are not easy to install. The setup usually involves drilling, running long cables through walls or ceilings, and connecting them to a central recording unit. For this reason, you might need to hire a professional for the installation, which adds to the cost. They also lack flexibility. Once you install a wired camera, moving it to a new location is not as simple as unplugging and shifting it. You would need to redo the wiring. If you live in a rented home or plan to move soon, investing in a wired system may not be the most practical solution. Wireless CCTV Cameras: Easy and Convenient Wireless CCTV cameras are becoming increasingly popular, especially for home use. These cameras use wireless technologies like Wi-Fi to transmit video signals to a storage device or cloud system. Some models are battery-operated, while others require a nearby power source. Advantages of Wireless Systems Wireless CCTV cameras are very easy to install. You don't have to worry about running wires through your walls. Many people can set up these cameras themselves without needing professional help, which saves both time and money. Another major benefit is remote access. Most wireless systems come with mobile apps or web platforms that allow you to view live footage from anywhere. This is particularly helpful for people who travel often or want to keep an eye on elderly family members or children at home. Wireless systems are also better suited for Smart Home Security integration. You can connect them with other smart devices like alarms, lights, or motion sensors to create a more responsive security environment. Disadvantages of Wireless Systems That said, wireless cameras do come with some challenges. Since they rely on Wi-Fi, their performance depends heavily on your internet connection. In areas with slow or unreliable internet, the video quality can drop, or the footage may lag. Battery-operated wireless cameras also require regular maintenance. If you forget to change or recharge the battery, your camera could stop working without you even realising it. There is also a slightly higher risk of these cameras being hacked if not properly secured with strong passwords and updated firmware. Comparing the Two: Which is Better for You? Choosing between wired and wireless CCTV cameras depends on your specific needs and environment. If you are looking for long-term, high-quality surveillance with minimal signal issues and are willing to invest in the installation effort, then a wired CCTV camera system may be the right fit. It is especially useful in large houses, commercial buildings, or places where high-definition recording is a priority. On the other hand, if you prefer a simple setup and more flexibility, wireless cameras are a better choice. They're perfect for apartments, rental homes, or people who want remote access and easy smart device integration. If you're building a Smart Home Security system, wireless cameras can be a great starting point because they work well with other smart products. Also, consider your budget. While wired systems might have higher upfront costs due to professional installation and equipment, wireless systems can become costly over time if you have to replace batteries or invest in stronger Wi-Fi infrastructure. Final Thoughts Both wired and wireless CCTV systems have their strengths and limitations. The best choice depends on your home layout, lifestyle, budget, and how involved you want to be with installation and maintenance. For Indian households, where needs can vary from small flats to multi-level homes, it's important to choose a CCTV camera setup that not only offers peace of mind but also fits comfortably within your daily life. If you're already using smart doorbells, alarms, or lights, a wireless CCTV camera may be a natural addition to your Smart Home Security ecosystem. Whatever option you go with, make sure to place your cameras wisely, secure them with strong passwords, and regularly check their performance. After all, a good security system doesn't just capture footage—it helps you feel safer every day.
