The library was organized into three magnificent multi-storeyed buildings: Ratnasagara (Ocean of Jewels), Ratnodadhi (Sea of Jewels), and Ratnaranjaka (Jewel-adorned). Ratnodadhi, in particular, is noted for its nine-storey structure, designed to house thousands of manuscripts meticulously organized by discipline. This systematic approach to preserving knowledge was ahead of its time, with texts arranged not simply in a chronological order but by subjects such as Buddhist philosophy, astronomy, medicine, grammar, and logic^[2][5][9]. The use of innovative preservation methods such as treating palm leaves with turmeric further highlights the sophistication of ancient archival techniques^[1].

At its zenith, Dharmaganja held hundreds of thousands of manuscripts, making it the most comprehensive library of its era. The collection included sacred Buddhist scriptures like the Prajñāpāramitā Sutra as well as a wide array of texts covering subjects from logic and literature to mathematics and medicine. It was a hub where intellectual debates and scholarly exchanges flourished, influencing the propagation of Buddhist teachings not only in India but across Asia. Scholars who studied here contributed to fields that shaped the contours of philosophy and science in ancient times^[2][6][10].

Despite its monumental significance, Dharmaganja met a tragic fate during the 12th century. Historical accounts record that when invaders, led by Bakhtiyar Khilji, sacked Nalanda, the library was set on fire. The blaze, fed by millions of manuscripts, is said to have burned for months—an event that symbolized the loss of an immense legacy of knowledge. This catastrophic moment not only marked the end of the Mahavihara’s era but also created a void in the historical record of ancient scholarship^[3][6][15].

The enduring influence of Dharmaganja can be seen in the continuing reverence for Nalanda as an ancient center of learning. The scholarly traditions initiated here transcended regional boundaries, drawing students and teachers from China, Korea, Tibet, Persia, and beyond^[8][14]. Today, efforts to revive the spirit of Nalanda are evident in modern initiatives such as the establishment of a new Nalanda University, which seeks to recapture the multidisciplinary and inclusive environment that once thrived in the library’s halls. The legacy of Dharmaganja reminds us of the timeless importance of preserving knowledge and the value of intellectual exchange. Its story continues to inspire modern scholarship and lends a sense of heritage to global academic communities^[4][11][12].

Dharmaganja stands as a powerful symbol of ancient India’s intellectual prowess and cultural richness. As the central library of Nalanda University, it safeguarded a treasure trove of wisdom that spanned numerous disciplines and catalyzed intellectual growth across continents. Though the physical repository was lost in the flames of conquest, its legacy of curiosity, rigorous scholarship, and inclusive education remains influential. This story is not only a remembrance of what was lost but also a beacon for future generations, urging us to value and protect the unparalleled heritage of human knowledge^{[1][7][13][15]}.

Streaming revenue remains a central focus of the report. The evolving subscription landscape now sees both global streaming revenues and ad-supported revenue markets adjusting to a mix of factors such as lower ARPU in emerging markets, a more aggressive mix shift toward freemium users, and improvements in premium pricing strategies^[1]. In the recorded music sector, the report underlines that while streaming growth is slowing, lower revenue forecasts there are somewhat offset by stronger growth in physical sales, performance rights, and downloads. The longstanding 'pro rata' model for royalty payments is being re-examined. New initiatives by leading platforms such as Spotify and Deezer aim to implement an artist-centric model, which focuses on rewarding professional artists and reducing dilution through fraudulent or low-value streams. For instance, Spotify’s recent model changes include raising the minimum threshold for a track to qualify for royalties and aggressive measures to cap user-generated streams, steps intended to shift more revenue toward emerging and established artists alike^[1].

The report provides detailed analysis on the state of ad-supported streaming. Although 2023 witnessed a modest increase for ad-supported streaming revenue, the growth rate lagged behind expectations due to broader macroeconomic concerns and a softer recovery in the global advertising market. Specifically, ad-supported audio and video revenues grew at 8% and 5% respectively in 2023, which was notably lower than the numbers experienced previously. These changes are attributed to factors such as a slower-than-expected ramp-up in emerging platform deals and less favorable licensing terms, particularly with platforms like TikTok. The report indicates that while short-term growth in the ad-supported segment remains subdued, longer-term projections still anticipate a gradual return to low double-digit growth as the global advertising market stabilizes and streaming platforms further differentiate their ad products^[1].

One of the more striking trends highlighted in the report is the rapid growth and evolving dynamics in emerging markets. Emerging regions, including parts of Asia, Latin America, and Africa, are now responsible for a significant share of new subscriber net additions. In 2023, emerging markets contributed to around 60% of net subscriber growth; this is expected to increase to roughly 70% by 2030, even though the revenue contribution may lag due to lower ARPU levels. The report explains that the average revenue per user in emerging markets is approximately four times lower than that of developed markets. This disparity has driven a dual focus: while volume growth in emerging markets remains a priority, there is also an opportunity for gradual pricing improvements as incomes rise and market penetration deepens. Additionally, local music genres and non-English acts are capturing significant domestic and international attention, reflecting a broader redistribution of market share among major and independent artists^[1].

Beyond digital music, the report emphasizes that live music and merchandising continue to present robust growth opportunities. The live music sector experienced a particularly strong rebound in 2023, with revenues significantly exceeding those of the previous year. The resurgence in touring and large-scale stadium events has not only boosted ticket sales but also driven ancillary revenue growth in merchandise and related live experiences. The report also notes that record labels and music companies recognize that live music revenue streams, though less directly linked to the traditional recording and streaming model, provide essential counterbalances to slower growth segments and help to raise overall industry forecasts^[1].

Generative AI is another pivotal area discussed in the report. Initial concerns about AI-driven content disrupting traditional revenue models have been largely allayed over the past 12 months. While there is ongoing experimentation with generative AI, the bulk of the output remains non-professional and low in quality, which means it is unlikely to see widespread deployment on major streaming platforms. Instead, the value of AI is expected to be captured primarily through its use in assisting professional artists in the music creation process and enhancing marketing efforts. Nevertheless, intellectual property (IP) and copyright challenges persist. For example, there have already been notable increases in AI-generated songs that conflict with artists' copyrighted material. The report predicts that regulatory frameworks in the US, Europe, and the UK will soon play a significant role in defining how AI-generated content is licensed and monetised, with several legislative proposals already in motion aimed at protecting artists’ rights and ensuring transparency in AI training models^[1].

The report also highlights the growing opportunity to better segment the consumer base to boost monetisation beyond standard subscription models. Currently, streaming platforms charge a flat rate irrespective of engagement levels. However, a significant opportunity lies in identifying and monetising superfans—users who are willing to pay up to twice as much as average subscribers for enhanced, exclusive access to their favorite artists. The report estimates that expanding premium offerings for superfans could yield an incremental revenue uplift of around 13% by 2030. Several major industry players are already exploring this avenue through dedicated apps and premium content tiers that promise to deepen the artist-fan relationship while offering higher revenue potential through targeted, value-added services^[1].

The author traces his direct ancestors to James Stevenson in Nether Carsewell, parish of Neilston, county of Renfrew, who married Jean Keir in 1665^[1]. Their son Robert, born in 1675, was possibly a maltster in Glasgow^[1]. The lineage continues through subsequent Roberts, also maltsters, and their descendants^[1]. The story focuses on two brothers, Hugh and Alan Stevenson, who rose to prominence in the West Indies but died young^[1]. Alan's son, Robert, born in 1772, is a key figure in the narrative^[1]. Robert's life takes a turn when his mother remarries Thomas Smith, an Edinburgh Merchant-Burgess and engineer to the Board of Northern Lighthouses^[1]. Engaging anecdotes detail Thomas Smith's character as a high Tory, patriot, and businessman, including a story of him seeing his mother's ghost^[1].

Thomas Smith, the Edinburgh Spearman, founds a business in lamps and oils and becomes engineer to the Board of Northern Lighthouses^[1]. He marries the widow of Alan Stevenson and brings together two families^[1]. The stepson, Robert Stevenson, finds common ambitions with his stepfather in the emerging field of civil engineering, which was then more of a living art than a science^[1]. Robert becomes involved in lighthouse construction, superintending works on the Isle of Little Cumbrae at nineteen^[1]. This leads to a transformation in his character, marked by zealous industry and a commitment to self-improvement^[1]. He studies mathematics, chemistry, natural history, and moral philosophy^[1].

The women of the Smith and Stevenson households are portrayed as deeply pious, contrasting with the more worldly ambitions of the men^[1]. The letters depict acts of kindness from the women and affection, italics, texts, ecstasies, and imperfect spelling from their correspondents^[1]. Jean Smith, Robert Stevenson's wife, is described as devout, unambitious, and easily shocked, associating with a clique of godly parasites^[1]. Despite differing religious views, a strong bond remains between Robert and Jean^[1]. Robert strives to respect and emulate his wife's piety^[1]. The family faces significant trials, including the deaths of several children^[1]. Letters from a former nursery maid and other correspondents poignantly capture the grief and sorrow experienced during these times^[1].

Robert Stevenson's life is characterized by extensive travel, often to remote and dangerous locations^[1]. As Engineer to the Board of Northern Lights, he undertakes perilous journeys by sea and land^[1]. The Scottish coast, with its savage islands and desolate moors, presents unique challenges^[1]. Voyages in the lighthouse tender involve navigating treacherous seas and dealing with unpredictable weather^[1]. The engineer must be prepared to land on open beaches or among shelving rocks, facing the vicissitudes of outdoor life^[1]. There are accounts of shipwrecks and encounters with wreckers, illustrating the harsh realities of life in the Scottish islands^[1]. The narrative also touches on the superstitions and unique customs of the islanders^[1].

The life of lightkeepers is explored, highlighting their isolation and the challenges they face^[1]. Lightkeepers in sea towers often quarrel, while those on shore stations deal with family tensions^[1]. The Scottish system emphasizes the dignity and comfort of lightkeepers, providing them with uniforms and attending to their needs^[1]. However, lightkeepers are still subject to temptations and may become lax in their duties, requiring the engineer to act as a martinet^[1]. The author details instances of his grandfather's strict oversight and efforts to maintain order and cleanliness in the lighthouses^[1]. There are examples of lightkeepers engaging in smuggling and other illicit activities^[1].

Robert Stevenson's most significant achievement is the construction of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, located on a dangerous reef off the coast of Scotland^[1]. The project faces numerous challenges, including securing funding, transporting materials, and working in a harsh environment^[1]. The narrative recounts the daily struggles and triumphs of the construction process, with details about the weather, the tides, and the ingenuity of the workers^[1]. The lighthouse is built using innovative engineering techniques, drawing inspiration from Smeaton's Eddystone Lighthouse^[1]. Key aspects of the tower's design include flat flooring-stones keyed into a central stone^[1]. The project proceeds despite setbacks, such as the loss of the foreman builder, George Peebles, but a new foreman is quickly hired to continue the project^[1].