From Gandhi going viral to Cleopatra selling shampoo: The rise of AI influencers and what it means for brands
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Hans India
32 minutes ago
- Hans India
Meta Brings Direct Messaging to Threads as Platform Celebrates Second Anniversary
In a much-anticipated move, Meta has rolled out the direct messaging feature for its fast-expanding microblogging app, Threads. This update introduces private, secure messaging capabilities and brings the platform closer to Instagram's familiar interaction model. The feature, now available to users aged 18 and above, went live on July 3, coinciding with Threads' second anniversary. For months, users of Threads had been requesting the option to directly message one another—a basic feature expected from any social platform. Meta has now answered that call, aiming to foster more meaningful and safe interpersonal connections. The rollout allows users to initiate one-on-one conversations by simply tapping the message icon on any profile they follow. Initially, DMs will only work between followers or mutual Instagram followers aged 18 and above, a restriction Meta says is meant to promote safer and more respectful interactions. 'Thread users had been awaiting the option to DM each other,' stated a Threads spokesperson. This new feature reflects Meta's larger push to unify its suite of apps while giving each platform its own identity and community focus. Threads has shown strong growth in the competitive social media space, especially among users looking for a simpler, less toxic online experience. Meta revealed that over a third of daily active users on Threads follow accounts that they don't already follow on Instagram. This indicates that the platform is gradually carving out its own niche, separate from its more visual-focused sibling. The initial version of Threads' direct messaging system focuses solely on basic communication. However, Meta plans to expand on it with additional tools and controls to improve both the experience and the safety of user interactions. Future updates will reportedly include the ability to manage message requests, control who can send messages, and even form group chats. Inbox filtering is also in development, which will allow users to prioritise important messages and declutter their inboxes. In addition to DMs, Meta is introducing a new feature called Threads Highlighter, a visual cue that helps users identify trending conversations and topics gaining significant traction. The aim is to boost engagement by making it easier for users to discover and join real-time discussions on popular themes. This dual update—introducing private messaging and highlighting trending content—marks a major step in Threads' evolution. It not only strengthens user connectivity but also signals Meta's intention to make Threads a more robust and engaging platform. With the launch of these features, Meta continues its strategy of integrating elements from its existing apps like Instagram while tailoring them for the unique atmosphere and purpose of Threads. The hope is that users will embrace Threads not just as a companion to Instagram but as a destination for meaningful conversations in its own right. As Meta enhances the app's functionality, users can expect even more dynamic tools that blend simplicity, control, and community engagement—solidifying Threads as a key player in the evolving social media ecosystem.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Jane Street vs Millennium: A US tech feud sparked India's biggest market probe
Jane Street market ban: SEBI has penalised Jane Street for allegedly manipulating Indian stock indices, particularly Bank Nifty, through extensive derivative positions, leading to significant losses for retail investors. The regulator has ordered the seizure of ₹4,844 crore in what could be its largest action against a foreign trading firm. Jane Street is now barred from the Indian securities market pending further investigation. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What led to Sebi's probe against Jane Street? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What happens now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred New York-based trading firm Jane Street from the securities market for allegedly manipulating stock indices using large derivative positions, mainly in the Bank Nifty, which caused losses to retail investors caught on the other side of the action is among the harshest taken by Sebi against a foreign trading firm of this size. The regulator has ordered the seizure of ₹4,844 crore ($570 million), calling it 'illegal gains' made by Jane Street. This could be the biggest seizure ever made by the market order applies to four entities linked to the Jane Street Group (JS Group)—JSI Investments, JSI2 Investments, Jane Street Singapore, and Jane Street Asia Trading. These entities are now prohibited from participating in the securities market, either directly or began its investigation after media reports surfaced about a legal dispute between Jane Street and rival Millennium Management in the United States. Jane Street had filed a case in a US court alleging that two of its former traders had stolen its proprietary trading strategy before joining Millennium. The firm claimed this strategy had helped generate nearly $1 billion in profits when used in India's derivatives market in is the largest derivatives market in the world, making up nearly 60% of the 7.3 billion global equity derivative trades recorded in April, as per data from the Futures Industry timing of Sebi's action also coincides with repeated warnings to retail investors about the risks involved in derivatives trading. A Sebi study published in January 2023 showed that nine out of ten individual traders in the equity futures and options segment lost an average of ₹1.1 lakh during FY22. Most of these losses were concentrated in the options segment.'While retail participation in index options trading on expiry day has moderated somewhat in recent times, around 90% of them continue to lose money,' a regulatory official said. 'There appears to be still too much concentration in short-term expiries and short-term trading. Extending maturities and nudging more long-term trading, hedging, and investments would be ideal for our ecosystem.'Jane Street has 21 days to respond to Sebi. The impounded gains must be placed in an escrow account with the regulator. While a full investigation will take time, Sebi has stopped short of imposing an indefinite ban. According to sources, strong checks have been put in place to ensure that the firm does not resume any activities that may violate market probe into Jane Street's India trades continues, as regulators examine the wider impact of the firm's strategies and possible breaches of trading earning extraordinary profits in a short time, Jane Street has drawn the attention of the Indian income tax department. The firm's method of using its companies in different countries to carry out varied trades and avoid paying tax is likely to be investigated to the income tax law, the structure used by Jane Street to allegedly manipulate markets could be seen as an 'impermissible avoidance arrangement.' The General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) defines this as any setup aimed only at avoiding tax or carried out in a way 'which are not ordinarily employed for bona fide purposes.'Jane Street's Indian companies took positions in cash and stock futures markets, while its Singapore and Hong Kong firms—both registered with Sebi as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs)—took large positions in equity options. This market has grown rapidly in recent of the profits were recorded in the Singapore-based FPI, which paid no tax on the income from futures and options because of the India-Singapore tax treaty. This treaty offers similar tax relief as the one between India and Mauritius. The Indian arms—JSI Investments and JSI2 Investments—took intra-day trades, buying in the morning and selling before the market closed. These trades likely influenced prices, while the offshore FPIs, often taking the opposite positions, earned large gains made by Jane Street Singapore and Jane Street Asia Trading, based in Hong Kong, were much higher than the possible losses or smaller profits reported by the Indian companies. Since the Indian entities are based in a jurisdiction where equity derivative profits are taxed at full rates—ranging from 30% to more than 40%—the arrangement resulted in the main income being routed through the tax-free Singapore though Hong Kong does not offer the same tax benefits as Singapore, it is possible the Hong Kong entity was used once the Singapore firm had reached its margin or internal exposure limits within the group.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Spain eases visa rules to welcome students affected by US immigration crackdown
In response to tighter US immigration controls, Spain has stepped in with a new fast-track visa initiative called 'EduBridge to Spain' aimed at welcoming international students affected by the Trump administration's student visa move follows widespread reports of international students being denied entry into the United States due to tightened screening policies, especially social media vetting and halted visa government is now offering these students a smoother alternative to continuing their education without unnecessary PATH FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Under the EduBridge to Spain programme, affected students can quickly transfer their academic progress from US universities to Spanish institutions. This includes smoother validation of previously completed coursework, recognition of existing qualifications, and simplified academic record programme spans a wide range of academic levels -- from high school and undergraduate studies to postgraduate education -- offering students the ability to shift at nearly any point in their academic VISA PROCESS AND WORK RIGHTSTo further support the move, Spain's Migration Ministry has ensured that its consular offices in the US will prioritise student visa applications. Once in Spain, police stations will also fast-track the issuance of Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) for not only students but also professors and eligible students will be allowed to take up part-time employment, easing financial concerns and supporting a more integrated experience in IMMIGRATION LAW COULD COMPLICATE ENTRYHowever, the scheme is not without its hurdles. A new Spanish immigration law, which came into effect on 20 May, includes fresh restrictions on various visa types, including student these rules, students must meet more rigid timelines for submitting academic documents, provide proof of medical insurance and accommodation, and face a shorter timeframe for securing a residence to Apune (Association of American University Programmes in Spain), students face confusion around tuition payments as many Spanish universities only collect fees in September, while visa applicants are often required to pay FOR SCIENTISTS ALSO INCLUDEDBeyond students, Spain is actively encouraging US-based scientists impacted by the Trump administration's policies to relocate. Science and Innovation Minister Diana Morant announced 200,000 in additional funding for each project led by these efforts aim to make Spain a safe haven for academics and researchers who feel 'disregarded' under current US governance. The grants will support both research and relocation costs, strengthening Spain's innovation REMAINS A TOP CHOICE FOR STUDYAccording to the Open Doors website, Spain ranks third among the top destinations for American students, after the UK and Italy. On average, 20,000 students apply annually to pursue part of their studies in EduBridge to Spain, this number is expected to rise significantly, as more students reconsider their educational options amid geopolitical proactive approach underscores a broader shift in global student mobility. With streamlined systems, cross-border recognition, and employment access, Spain is emerging as a preferred alternative to the US for international education seekers.- Ends
