Digital Inclusion Initiatives

Every person should have one folder in their computer that is the "In Case of Death" folder... and this is how it is structured... The folder is used to manage and pass on one's assets to successors easily... and to avoid any legal hassles. This folder is divided into 5 parts: 1/ Personal IDs - Birth Certificate - Marriage Certificate - Aadhaar and Passport - Divorce Decrees - Change of Name Affidavits 2/ Legal & Estate Management Documents - Last Registered Will with notarized copy - Succession Certificates for Movable Assets - Guardianship Documents for minor children / dependants 3/ Financial Assets and Accounts - Bank Account details and statements - Demat Account, Shares, Mutual Funds, Investment Portfolio - Insurance Policy Documents with Beneficiaries - Outstanding loan documents - Bank Locker or Safe Deposit Locations and Access details 4/ Property Documentation - Real Estate and Business - Property Deeds and Titles for Real Estate - Mortgage Documents - Rental Agreements - Business Ownership Documents and Succession Plan 5/ Digital Assets and Access Information - Email with recovery information - Social media contact and legacy contact preferences - Domain names, Cloud Storage - Digital Subscriptions of material value The best way to manage passwords here is to provide access to Password Managers where you can add an Emergency Contact who can access all passwords in case of such conditions. There are apps like 1Password, NordPass and Keeper which offer printable PDF documents for emergency access that can be kept in this folder. These apps allow a waiting period from last activity after which the emergency contacts can use the data. Also, please ensure that you submit all such documents for probate and get them drafted by a trusted lawyer. I would also hope you would tell trusted family members about where you have stored this information so that they can access it when required. Above all, wish you all a long and healthy life. #casarthakahuja

HEIRS TECHNOLOGIES AFRICA DIGITAL REPORT Africa is home to nearly 20% of the world’s population, yet we account for less than 1% of global data centre capacity. This imbalance underscores both our greatest challenge and our greatest opportunity. By 2030, Africa’s digital economy could add up to $2.9 trillion to GDP. The question is no longer if digital transformation will occur, but how we can unlock its full potential. The findings in Heirs Technologies Africa’s Digital Leap Report highlight the urgency of massive and sustained investment in digital infrastructure. Such investment is not optional; it is foundational to enabling economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience. Africa’s youthful population is already reshaping industries, from agriculture to manufacturing to technology. The rise of African AI startups, which have attracted $1.25 billion in funding to date, signals growing investor confidence in our markets. But to sustain momentum, Africa must strengthen its business environment, create investor-friendly policies, and build the infrastructure needed to support scale. This is a pivotal moment. We must act not as passive participants in the global digital economy, but as strategic architects of Africa’s digital future. I commend our team at Heirs Technologies and CEO Obong Idiong, for producing this timely report, which provides actionable insights and strategies for advancing Africa’s digital journey — anchored on cloud, connectivity, and AI. I encourage policymakers, private sector leaders, and international partners to study this report carefully: https://lnkd.in/dnXT6tG8 #TOEWay

The U.S. Department of Education just released new guidance on using federal grant funds for AI in education. Here's what educators and school leaders should know: 3 Main Supported Areas Where Federal Funds Can be Utilized: 1. AI-Based High-Quality Instructional Materials - including: • Personalized learning materials and AI-powered instructional tools that adapt to learner needs in real-time • Training for educators and families on responsible AI use 2. AI-Enhanced High-Impact Tutoring - including: • Individualized tutoring systems (including human tutoring hybrid platforms) with real-time assessment,  • Diagnostic and scheduling tools that use AI to match learners with tutoring services 3. AI for College and Career Pathway Exploration, Advising, and Navigation - including: • AI-enhanced career exploration and college advising platforms • Predictive models to identify students needing additional support By making federal funds available to support these initiatives, the administration continues to lean into AI integration in education as part of their goal for the US to remain the leader in AI development - albeit while withholding billions in education funding at the same time. We're glad to see the funding of AI literacy included here, and the overall focus on responsible adoption that enhances human teaching rather than replaces it. Link in the comments to the full document! #AIforEducation #Education #FederalFunding #K12 AI for Education

🌳 Inclusive Design Patterns For 2025 (Google Doc + Videos) (https://lnkd.in/eb9ZW8xs), a free 3.5h-online workshop recording on design patterns for more inclusive and accessible UX — with all video recordings, slides and examples in one single place. Feel free to share with your friends and colleagues — no strings attached! Google Doc (slides, videos, links): https://lnkd.in/eb9ZW8xs All slides (PDF): https://lnkd.in/eVsF8Mvk Full 3.5h-video recording: https://lnkd.in/eFg-Bx46 Key takeaways: 1. Companies often see accessibility as an “external edge case”. 2. They don’t realize that we all rely on accessibility all the time. 3. Eyeglasses are assistive technology, so are subtitles and zoom. 4. People are never “edge cases” and “average” users don’t exist. 5. Exceptions will occur eventually, it’s just a matter of time. 6. Accessibility is a reliable way to ensure design resilience. 7. Every person is unique, their experience is on a spectrum. 8. Accessibility overlays are a band-aid that rarely improve UX. 9. You can’t build empathy with facts, charts or legal concerns. 10. Nothing is more impactful that seeing real customers struggling. UX guidelines: 1. Blue is the safest hue for users to perceive color as you do. 2. Respect physics: map scrolling behavior to your animations. 3. Ask for consent before presenting “parallax” features. 4. For animated storytelling, add “skip to end” shortcut. 5. Drag-and-drop needs UI controls to drag with keyboard only. 6. Avoid newsletter pop-ups, feature newsletter areas instead. 7. Support spaces and copy/paste when typing into form fields. 8. Avoid complex pass requirements → suggest 2FA/passkeys. 9. Avoid superscript, use same letter size instead (1st, 2nd). 10. Rephrase fractions for understanding: 14.3% → 1 in 7 people. 11. Avoid time countdowns, time outs, sense of urgency. 12. Remind people of key events, unfinished drafts. 13. Show recent files, recently used filters/presets. 14. Guide user’s attention with Layer-Cake pattern, not F-pattern. 15. X icon is remarkably confusing, name it explicitly (Discard/Save). 16. Avoid pre-selected radio-buttons or add "None of the above". 17. Don’t assume that every deaf person can lip read well. 18. With children apps, you’re always designing for parents, too. 19. Parents value reviews from teachers, parents, doctors. 20. For teenagers, default search engine is YouTube, not Google. 21. Show sources/data: it’s difficult for teens to judge credibility. Recorded by yours truly with the wonderful UX community yesterday. And a huge THANK YOU to everybody sharing their work and their findings and insights for all of us to use. 🙏🏼 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 #ux #design #accessibility

How much education is enough in today’s India? From 20% literacy at Independence to nearly 75% today. This is not just progress, it is a national transformation. But the more important question we must now ask is: what does it truly mean to be educated in a rapidly evolving, digital world? Because literacy today is no longer just about reading and writing. The new divide is digital. I have seen this up close even within our own families. What feels intuitive to one generation can feel overwhelming, even exclusionary, to another. The inability to navigate technology is quietly becoming the new form of illiteracy—limiting access, confidence, and opportunity. This is where policy matters. Some of India’s most impactful education interventions have not been complex they have been thoughtful. The mid-day meal scheme, for instance, did more than feed children. It enabled attendance, reduced dropouts, and made education a daily reality for millions. Because good policy does not just inspireit removes barriers.And yet, the challenge persists. When children drop out, it is rarely a failure of aspiration. It is often a reflection of economic pressures, safety concerns, and systemic gaps. I recently visited a government school not far from my home, where young girls discontinue education due to the absence of basic sanitation facilities. This is not a choice against education. It is a choice for safety and survival. So how do we redefine ‘enough’? Perhaps not by degrees alone but by outcomes that truly matter: • Can an individual earn with dignity? • Can they navigate systems with confidence? • Can they participate without feeling excluded? That is real empowerment. The road ahead is clear. We must focus on: * Digital fluency as a foundational skill * Safe, inclusive infrastructure—especially for girls * Diverse pathways beyond secondary education that create opportunity, not stigma The question is no longer whether we are educating enough people. The real question is: Are we preparing them for the world ahead? Are we building confidence, capability, and the ability to participate meaningfully in a technology-driven future? #Education #DigitalInclusion #FutureOfWork #India #Policy #Leadership Scale : % of students Source : UDISE + Booklet (2021-22) Ministry of Education Govt of India

In much of the world, digital financial tools are a daily reality—used to process paychecks, pay for dinner, buy groceries, and more. But 1.4 billion adults in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to these tools.    This isn’t just an inconvenience for them; it's a barrier to economic growth and empowerment. According to a 2023 UN analysis, digital public infrastructure—including digital ID, payments, and data exchange—could accelerate GDP growth in these countries by 20 to 33 percent.    That’s where Mojaloop Foundation comes in: Their open-source software makes it possible for countries to build inclusive digital payment systems that allow anyone with a mobile phone to send and receive money securely, instantly, and affordably. This has the potential to drive economic inclusion—and open the doors to financial freedom—for billions.

#Diversity in high-tech fields remains critically low. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently reported that #Black and #Latino professionals are underrepresented in high-tech roles, especially in leadership. These numbers highlight ongoing structural barriers in hiring, promotion and retention. This gap is a missed opportunity to tap into a wealth of diverse talent and perspectives essential to the future of tech. However, addressing and thoroughly fixing these challenges will require time, consistent effort and a long-term commitment to systemic change. Companies can support the progression of representation in tech by investing in training, mentorship and internship opportunities that open doors for people who were historically shut out. Programs like internXL, a platform that is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the internship hiring process for top companies, are making a significant impact. Similarly, the expansion of STEM education at institutions like Cornell University is helping to connect talented young people from underrepresented communities with opportunities for high-tech careers. When we work together to remove these barriers, we’re fostering a more inclusive workforce and strengthening innovation, problem-solving and leadership in the industry. Let’s build a tech future that reflects the diversity of our society. https://bit.ly/3UNtOCh

Some technologies don’t just solve problems — they give people their independence back. I rediscovered Liftware, and I was genuinely moved by what it can do. It looks simple: a smart handle connected to everyday utensils. But inside, it’s a powerful piece of engineering designed for people with hand tremors (Parkinson’s, essential tremor, and more). Here’s how it works: 🔹 Sensors detect tiny hand movements in real time 🔹 Micro-motors instantly counteract the tremor 🔹 The spoon or fork stays stable — even if the hand doesn’t The result? Up to 70% less shaking. And for many people, that means eating soup again… without help. This is technology at its best: invisible, intelligent, and deeply human. 💡 My take Most people don’t know this, but Liftware was developed by a small startup before being acquired by Google’s life sciences division (now Verily). What makes it remarkable is the engineering challenge: the device doesn’t try to stop the tremor — it predicts and cancels it. It’s basically a tiny real-time AI system… hidden inside a spoon. This is the future I love: not just smarter devices, but more compassionate ones. If you’ve seen other innovations that genuinely improve people’s lives, I’d love to discover them. What’s one piece of tech-for-good that inspired you recently? #techforgood #innovation #technology #healthtech #accessibility #assistivetechnology #futureofhealth #inclusiveDesign #AI #impact

Forget Silicon Valley. The most fascinating digital transformation is happening in an Indian village where 25% of residents are content creator, earning ₹20,000 to 40,000/month. Nestled in rural Chhattisgarh, Tulsi village has transformed from a traditional farming community into what's now known as the "Instagram Village of India" - and it's challenging everything we thought we knew about digital opportunities in rural areas. Out of its 4,000 residents, over 1,000 are active content creators across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and previously, TikTok. This isn't happening in tech hubs like Bangalore or Mumbai - it's happening in a village most people haven't heard of. The transformation began in 2018 when two locals, Jai and Gyanendra Shukla, launched a YouTube channel called "Being Chhattisgarhiya." Their success sparked a digital revolution as neighbors realized they could monetize their creativity too. What makes Tulsi truly remarkable: - The village hosts more than 40 YouTube channels - Many creators consistently earn between ₹20,000-40,000 monthly - The state government recognized this organic growth and built a dedicated studio in the village Most inspiring is their collaborative approach. Villagers gather at the village chaupal to brainstorm ideas, improve concepts, and decide on casting for videos. This community-driven model of content creation shows that digital success doesn't have to be individualistic. Tulsi proves that social media isn't just changing how we consume content; it's changing how entire communities sustain themselves. What it teaches us is profound: - Digital skills don't require fancy degrees - Content creation isn't just for the privileged - Community-driven models can outperform individual hustle - The next wave of digital innovation might come from the most unexpected places Have you seen other examples of digital platforms transforming rural economies? #digitalindia #contentcreation #instagramvillage

70+ 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧-𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 – 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 📚 As the former Head of Risk at UNEP FI, I know how important having access to the right risk tools and data can be. We started the climate risk dashboard to help catalogue dozens of physical and transition risk tools out there for that reason. That's why I was so thrilled to see this comprehensive list of open-source tools, brilliantly compiled by Hannes Matt! It truly is a valuable list for those seeking to understand exposures, hazards, and vulnerabilities across climate and nature risks. These include: ⛈️ Climate hazard maps ⏳ Real-time monitoring tools 🌐 Climate change indicators and geospatial projections 🦍 Geospatial biodiversity and nature-related risk indicators 🛰️ Earth observation and satellite data platforms …and more These tools are a great initial step for organizations and individuals in gaining familiarity and insights on climate and nature risks. Proprietary tools will offer more analytical depth and data granularity, but getting started is the critical first step! Check out the list here: https://lnkd.in/eRzfj_zA What tools are you using to assess climate and nature risks? Share them in the comments! #climaterisk #naturerisks #climatedata