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Imagine overturning dismal form, embarking on a remarkable winning run and edging tantalisingly close to your final goal, only to have your aspirations dampened by the capricious whims of the weather. Such is the predicament facing <keyword id="21019173" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers-Bengaluru" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Royal Challengers Bengaluru" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Royal Challengers Bengaluru">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</keyword> (<keyword id="20282652" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="RCB" source="keywords">RCB</keyword>) at the moment.<br /><br />From the depths of despair in the first half of the season, RCB rallied magnificently, stringing together an impressive series of victories that have brought them within touching distance of their <keyword id="19911541" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL-2024" source="keywords">IPL 2024</keyword> playoff aspirations.<br /><br />Currently positioned sixth in the table with 12 points, their fate now hinges on the outcome of their final league match against third-placed Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This showdown on Saturday (May 18) is poised to be a do-or-die encounter for both teams, with the winner likely securing a coveted playoff berth.<br /><br />However, should this pivotal encounter in <keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword> be unceremoniously affected by rain, both teams will be awarded a solitary point each. This outcome would effectively sound the death knell for RCB's playoff dreams.<br /><br />And the prospect of rainfall looms large indeed, with The <keyword id="21685686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weather-channel-india" source="keywords">Weather Channel India</keyword> indicating an 80% likelihood of precipitation coupled with the potential for severe thunderstorms over the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening.<br /><br />While a fortunate outcome where rain spares the game appears improbable, it remains within the realm of possibility. Remarkably, such a miracle did unfold during RCB’s victory over Delhi Capitals last Sunday, when rain deluged many areas of Bengaluru but spared the stadium region.<br /><br />If lightning strikes twice (strictly metaphorically, for RCB’s sake!) and Saturday’s match proceeds as planned, a win would take RCB level on points with CSK. Moreover, achieving victory by a margin of 18 runs or more or chasing the target within 18.1 overs would propel RCB's net run rate above CSK's, thus securing their berth in the playoffs.<br /><br />If CSK suffer a defeat by a margin of fewer than 18 runs, their net run rate will remain superior to RCB's. However, a more substantial loss would mean CSK will have to rely on SRH losing its remaining games and finishing behind CSK on the run rate. In such a scenario, both CSK and RCB would qualify for the playoffs.<br /><br />What will happen on this utterly unpredictable day of IPL drama? Only time will tell.<br />

Rain gods to determine RCB’s fate in IPL 2024 as Bengaluru braces for wet weather this weekend

<ul><li>IMD forecasts a searing summer with “above normal” temperatures in most of northeast, eastern, central India and parts of northwest India.</li><li>Japanese electronics brand Panasonic expects a good summer with double digit growth.</li><li> JM Financial is of the view that demand for ACs will pick up this March and dealers are stocking up inventory.</li></ul>The summer of 2023 got off to an early start, and even with gusts of hail and wind, unpredictable and unseasonal weather is bringing cheer to makers of air conditioners. <br /><br />“We believe summer-23 is likely to be a healthy season for <keyword id="7743494" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ac-manufacturers" source="Orion">AC manufacturers</keyword>, given soaring temperature and higher probability of occurrence of heat waves across cities and normalisation of commercial activities,” said a report by JM Financial. <br /><br />The report suggests that AC demand will pick up this March, and dealers have already started stocking up inventory in anticipation of good sales. <br /><br />Analysts at JM Financial believe that this year is widely expected to be a little hotter than the previous two years globally “mainly because of the expected end of the strongest ever La Niña event”. <br /><br />The India Meteorological Department (IMD) too forecasts a searing summer with “above normal” temperatures in most of northeast, eastern, central India and parts of northwest India.<br /><br />In fact in March, several parts of the country have been impacted with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/erratic-rains-thunderstorms-more-in-march-impacts-lives-and-livelihoods/slidelist/98807776.cms">erratic environmental changes </a>including early monsoon, hailstorms and strong winds. This was right after an unusually hot February.<br /><br />Besides, it also expects heat waves during March-May in most parts of India, except for the northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and coastal Karnataka.<br /><br /><strong>Hot summer to bring hot sales for AC manufacturers<br /></strong>Japanese electronics brand Panasonic also expects a good summer with double digit growth. <br /><br />“At Panasonic, we are expecting healthy growth for our summer products such as ACs, refrigerators, etc., to name a few. Last year for our cooling products like ACs and refrigerators, we registered around 35% (for April 2022 till February 2023 as compared to the same period in 2021). this year we are hoping for continued growth momentum registering double-digit growth,” said Fumiyasu Fujimori, MD, Panasonic Marketing India, Panasonic Life Solutions India.<br /><br /><strong>High demand from Mumbai &amp; Bengaluru <br /></strong>Analysts say that demand has already picked up in anticipation of a hot summer. The report stated that demand in all major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata witnessed moderation currently, whereas Mumbai, Bengaluru and certain pockets in Ahmedabad are witnessing pickup in demand given the early onset of summer. <br /><br />The brokerage firm has stated that Voltas remains their top pick, followed by <keyword id="152126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="blue-star" source="Orion">Blue Star</keyword> and Amber Enterprises.<br /><br />Analysts feel that rising disposable income, improving standard of living and willingness to spend on comfort is the reason why demand for such white appliances is increasing. <br /><br />“With the increase in disposable income, rapid urbanization, improving standard of living, and easy financing options, consumers are willing to spend on appliances that are energy-efficient, smart, connected, and provide comfort and convenience that enhances their lifestyles,” said JM Financial.<br /><br />The Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association is expecting sales in the summer periods of March to May this year to be anywhere between 15% to 20% higher than last year, according to a report by <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/consumer-durable-makers-gear-up-make-hay-while-sun-shines-expect-20-percent-growth-in-sales-16226681.htm">CNBCTV18</a>.<br /><br />Channel check with dealers by JM Financial shows that demand for Voltas and other brands like Lloyd, Hitachi and Panasonic is better than previous years.<br /><br />They say that currently, demand for products of Voltas remains high, especially in lower tier cities because of higher brand awareness. However, with increased product offering by other brands, dealers anticipate pickup in demand from other brands as well. <br /><br />Analysts say Blue Star continues to be a preferred brand in Southern markets, while their presence in the North is also increasing. <br /><br />Other players such as Lloyd and LG continue to be preferred brands of choice for customers in South India whereas Daikin, Hitachi, LG and Panasonic are prominent in West India, says the report. <br /><br />Listed AC manufacturers<br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">AC manufacturers<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">% change YTD<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Blue Star<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">21.53%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Voltas<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3.94%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Amber Enterprises India<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-0.73%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Condition <br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-1.21%<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br /><strong>Room for growth <br /></strong>Besides, the Indian summer has broken multiple heat records over the past decade and created a strong demand for air conditioning in Indian homes and offices, says Statista, a data platform. <br /><br />“Increasing demand for home appliances , along with a fairly low penetration rate, has left the Indian <keyword id="6365348" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-conditioner" source="Orion">air conditioner</keyword> market with plenty of room to grow and is estimated to reach 9.7 million units in the financial year 2023,” said Statista.<br /><br />Adding to the celebration, since October 2020, the Indian government has banned imports of ready-to-install air conditioners, providing a boost to manufacturers in India.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO: </strong><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/digitalisation-credit-growth-government-policies-to-drive-msme-growth-say-experts/articleshow/98962354.cms">Digitalisation, credit growth, government policies to drive MSME growth, say experts</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/first-82-days-of-2023-see-more-layoffs-than-the-entire-2022/slidelist/98960848.cms">First 82 days of 2023 see more layoffs than the entire 2022</a>

AC manufacturers expect strong growth this summer led by unseasonal weather

<br />Twenty years ago, when <keyword id="10875" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="IBM">IBM</keyword> Research’s India Research Labs' (IRL) was first set up, the establishment would follow its global arms, doing things they did. Today, the lab takes technologies from overseas, localises them, often develops its own technologies, and sends them back out into the world, within and without the country.<br /><br />Much of this research revolves around <keyword id="107950" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence</keyword> (<keyword id="6355999" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ai">AI</keyword>) and blockchain. In fact, the team here in India <a href="https://www.ibm.com/blogs/research/2017/08/distributed-deep-learning/">beat a benchmark in deep learning</a> originally set by Facebook Research last year. Deep learning algorithms are the building blocks of AI.<br /><br />But the fundamental problem with taking technologies like AI - which is part of IBM's core focus - and putting them to work in India is that the country differs from western regions in many aspects. From diversity in culture to education levels and more, India presents problems that can't be recognized from overseas.<br /><br />AI algorithms are often made in the west, and when companies try to put them to use here, they have to go through extensive training just to begin to understand this country. This is why everyday AI on smartphones often fails to help Indians.<br /><br /><strong>Global technologies for the world<br /></strong><br />Sriram Raghavan, VP, IBM Research Labs India says one of the reasons the India arm was set up was because you couldn't solve the country's problems from remote areas. <br />
  <div type="image" title="IMG_2428" msid="65352588" hostid="261"></div>


<em>IBM's Bangalore Lab</em><br /><br />In developing technologies for India, IBM Research also ends up building better AI. For instance, <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">farmers</keyword> don't have "50 hectares of contiguous land" in India. In fact, two farmers, working next to each other have different kinds of soil and requirements. So, technologies that were used for wineries in California aren't ready for Indian agriculture. A lot of work has to be put in to make recommendations at a more minute level.<br /><br />While developing AI for agriculture, IBM Research actually analysed real calls made by farmers to the government's <em>Kisaan</em> (farmer) call centre. This helped them train the AI in answering common questions that farmers have.<br /><br />Raghavan explains that IRL uses satellite data, from global and Indian satellites, to identify soil types, yield rates and more. The AI software developed in India use this data and have, over time, learned to make recommendations for smaller portions of land.<br /><br />When it comes to <a href="https://cognitivefashion.github.io/">fashion</a>, in the retail space, AI being used overseas can't easily understand Indian fashion. So, IRL again comes into play, developing tools that can make recommendations from Gujarat to West Bengal or Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. It's not just about understanding the types of clothes, but body types, common patterns within India and the myriad clothing styles we have.<br /><br /><strong>Indian technologies, for the world<br /></strong><br />A lot of this <keyword id="6355118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="technology">technology</keyword> developed in India is also put to use overseas. In tweaking them for India, the algorithms actually become better equipped to deal with global situations. In many cases, technologies developed in India are being put to use in the African and ASEAN regions, says Raghavan.<br /><br />So, India isn't just a market in itself, it's a hub for development of technologies for the rest of the world. <br /><br /><div type="image" title="DSC_5485" msid="65359161" hostid="261"></div>

<em>IBM Think Lab</em><br />
<br />The cornerstone of any AI algorithm is in understanding and interpreting data. By presenting a diverse set of problems, India inadvertently solves issues that appear elsewhere.<br /><br />Agri tech, retail and supply chain and logistics are three of IBM's focus areas today. It's where the company "innovates", meaning, IRL is still developing new technologies and refining existing ones here. <br /><br />According to the 2017-18 Economic Survey, the logistics industry alone is expected to become a $215 billion market in 2018. On the agri-tech front, a June 2018 <a href="https://community.nasscom.in/docs/DOC-1844">report from NASSCOM</a> (National Association of Software and Services Companies) says annual investments in startups in this sector increased by 25 times, which shows that investors are taking an interest. <br /><br />Given that half of India's population works in agriculture, that's certainly good news for startups like Agrostar, which raised $10 million from Accel Partners in 2017. It’s also good news for IBM Research, since Agrostar uses forecasts from The <keyword id="3791243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Weather-Company">Weather Company</keyword>, an IBM business, to connect with farmers and help them improve yields.<br /><br />On top of all of this, the Indian retail space is poised to be a global behemoth. Reports have indicated that this industry should become worth a trillion dollars by 2020.<br /><br />Considering all this, it's no surprise that IBM Research's India arm is important in the global scheme of things. It just makes business sense.<br /><br />The technologies IBM Research develops aren't put to use for industries alone. A blockchain platform for land registry is being discussed at the moment, while IBM also expects more collaborations to happen with the government in future.<br /><br />When it was first set up in 1998, the IRL was the first industrial computer science lab to be established in India, and it was part of the IIT Delhi campus (<em>top image</em>). Today, there are multiple offices in Bengaluru and the IRL was the second highest contributor to the company’s patent portfolio in 2017, most of which are in emerging technologies. <br /><br />

Putting AI to work for India: How IBM Research does it

<br /> Just in case you had this notion that startups in India meant ecommerce sites with some flash sale and discounts, here’s <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword> -based FlyBird Innovation to prove you wrong. The weather experts having forecasted a drop in amount of rainfall this season, farmers in southern states of the country were having sleepless nights, that is until FlyBird came to their rescue, with their own brand of innovative irrigation solutions.<br />
<br /> These technology startups are helping to reduce water usage by almost 40%, according to the Economic Times. Karnataka being a <keyword id="196094" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="leading-producer">leading producer</keyword> of coconuts requires plenty of water as coconut plants are guzzlers. An increasing number of startups is developing much-needed and affordable solutions for farmers across the agricultural cycle - for eliminating pests, smarter irrigation, precise weather forecasting, and improving yields - that could help three-fifths of India's 1.2 billion people who are dependent on monsoon rains. <br />
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"Our solution for precise irrigation also increases crop yield and gives farmers higher returns by 10-15%," said Saitsh KS, founder of FlyBird. At a price of Rs 16,000-Rs 28,000, the firm's technology costs about one-third of similar US and Israeli variants, he said. <br />
<br /> For the farmers, the <keyword id="25450" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="savings">savings</keyword> are more fundamental. "A coconut plant requires 100 litres of water a day. With the earlier flooding system I would overuse water by as much 1,000 litres. Now this extra water can be used for other crops,” a <keyword id="48857" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Farmer">farmer</keyword> told ET.<br />
<br /> Farmers can also look up to Skymet Weather Services for a more accurate telling of the weather. The private forecaster - using a system that is a combination of historical data and high speed computing - has been closer to actual rainfall in the past three years than the <keyword id="55209" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Meteorological-Department">Indian Meteorological Department</keyword>. The Noida-based firm has also facilitated crop <keyword id="35450" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="insurance">insurance</keyword> claims for 13-15 million farmers, said Jatin Singh, <keyword id="1542630" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="founder-and-chief-executive">founder and chief executive</keyword>. <br />
<br /> For pest control, Bengaluru-based <keyword id="2888712" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Barrix">Barrix</keyword> has developed phermone-based traps and sticky sheets. "Farmers spend Rs 1,500-3,000 per spray per acre of land with commercially available pesticides. Even then pests get resistance and come back and damage crops," said Lokesh Makam, founder and <keyword id="5645" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="CEO">CEO</keyword>, adding that Barrix has sold its products to 60,000 farmers across 16 states. <br />
<br /> "There is a huge upside to improve productivity by using non-traditional technologies, i.e., bringing other functional expertise into agriculture viz-a-viz IT, analytics, data, sensors, pharmaceutical concepts, etc," Jinesh Shah, founding partner, <keyword id="1873742" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Omnivore-Partners">Omnivore Partners</keyword>, an agriculture-focused <keyword id="6357097" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="venture-capital">venture capital</keyword> firm that has backed both Skymet and Barrix told the financial daily. "The marriage of these technologies to solve agriculture problems can be fruitful for investors going forward." <br />
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(Image: Wikimedia)<br />

Startups in Bengaluru are helping coconut farmers in a very innovative way

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is set to mark a historic occasion on August 23 with the celebration of its first-ever <keyword id="22301946" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="National-Space-Day" source="keywords">National Space Day</keyword>. This day was declared by the Indian government to commemorate the anniversary of <keyword id="19915128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandrayaan-3" source="keywords">Chandrayaan-3</keyword>’s successful soft landing on the <keyword id="19899207" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Moon" source="keywords">Moon</keyword>'s south pole in 2023 — a momentous achievement that placed India among the elite group of nations capable of such a feat.<br /><br />With events and activities planned across the country, National Space Day is designed to foster public engagement in <keyword id="19929542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="space-exploration" source="keywords">space exploration</keyword>. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a complete novice, this is the perfect time to delve into the fascinating world of <keyword id="21072131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="astrophotography" source="keywords">astrophotography</keyword> and <keyword id="21808035" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sky-watching" source="keywords">sky watching</keyword>. This guide will help you get started, offering tips and insights to make the night sky more accessible and awe-inspiring than ever before.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112625183" title="India set to celebrate first National Space Day on August 23" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Getting started with astrophotography</h2>Astrophotography might sound intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you begin:<br /><h3>Basic Equipment</h3>Astrophotography might sound like an expensive hobby, but beginners can start with surprisingly simple equipment. The essential tools include a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens. The camera allows you to control key settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, which are critical for capturing faint celestial objects. If you're just starting out, even a smartphone with a good camera can be used, provided you download specialised apps such as StarTracker or SkyView, which help in aligning and tracking celestial objects.<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="109921023" title="Here’s what falling inside a black hole would look like, according to a NASA supercomputer simulation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>For those ready to invest a bit more, a wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm) is ideal because it captures more of the sky in each shot. A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable; it keeps the camera steady during long exposure shots, preventing blurriness. As you advance, consider purchasing a star tracker, which compensates for the Earth's rotation, allowing for even longer exposures without star trails. This can be particularly helpful in locations with minimal light pollution, which are abundant in rural India<br /><h3>Choosing the Right Location</h3>In astrophotography, location is everything. The clearer and darker the sky, the better your shots will be. Light pollution from cities is the biggest enemy, as it washes out the stars and makes it difficult to capture the <keyword id="20080902" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Milky-Way" source="keywords">Milky Way</keyword> or faint celestial objects. India, however, offers some excellent locations that are relatively free from light pollution. Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and the deserts of Rajasthan are renowned for their crystal-clear skies. These places, far from urban centres, provide ideal conditions for both sky watching and astrophotography.<br /><br />However, if travelling to these remote areas isn’t feasible, consider venturing to the outskirts of your city or visiting a local hill station. Even areas just a couple of hours outside major cities like Bengaluru or Pune can offer much darker skies. Additionally, checking weather forecasts and moon phases is crucial before heading out. A clear night with no moon (New Moon phase) is perfect for capturing stars and other deep-sky objects<br /><h3>Perfect Timing</h3>Timing is crucial when it comes to astrophotography. The best time to photograph the night sky is during the new moon phase, when the absence of moonlight allows fainter stars and celestial objects to be visible. In India, the Milky Way is most visible between April and September, making this period ideal for astrophotography. The core of the Milky Way, which is the most photogenic part, is visible just after sunset during these months.<br /><br />Moreover, consider the time of night as well. The hours immediately after sunset and before sunrise are known as the "golden hours" in <keyword id="22383" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="photography" source="Orion">photography</keyword>. However, for capturing the night sky, "astronomical twilight" (the period when the sky is dark enough for all astronomical observations) is the best. You can use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to find the exact times and positions of celestial objects based on your location<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112647806" title="Investments made in space program have benefited society, says ISRO Chairman Dr S Somnath" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h3><keyword id="20890294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="camera-settings" source="keywords">Camera Settings</keyword></h3>Getting the camera settings right is essential for capturing stunning astrophotographs. Start by setting your camera to manual mode, which allows you to control exposure settings independently. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to allow as much light as possible to hit the sensor. Set the ISO between 1600 and 3200; while higher ISOs make the sensor more sensitive to light, they can also introduce noise, so it's important to find a balance.<br /><br />Shutter speed is another critical setting. A good starting point is 15-30 seconds; longer exposures capture more light, but if you go beyond 30 seconds, the Earth's rotation will cause stars to appear as trails rather than points. To avoid blur from camera shake, use a remote shutter release or set a short timer on the camera. Finally, focus manually on a bright star, zoom in using the live view mode, and fine-tune the focus until the star appears as a sharp point of light<br /><h3>Post-Processing</h3>Post-processing is where your astrophotography truly comes to life. Even with perfect settings and conditions, raw images might look underwhelming straight out of the camera. This is where software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop comes in. Start by adjusting the exposure and contrast to bring out the details in the Milky Way or other celestial objects. Noise reduction is also crucial, especially if you use a high ISO setting. This helps to clean up the grainy appearance that can detract from the image’s clarity.<br /><br />You can also enhance the colours in your image by adjusting the white balance and saturation. Tweaking these settings can make the Milky Way pop against the dark sky. For those serious about astrophotography, stacking multiple images is a technique used to reduce noise and increase detail. There are free software options like DeepSkyStacker that allow you to combine several exposures into one high-quality image<br />  <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112569406" title="ISRO targets first Gaganyaan mission launch by December: Chairman" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Sky Watching: The Beginner’s Guide</h2>But if you’re more of an observer than a capturer, why not just sky watch? Sky watching is the more laid-back cousin of astrophotography and requires minimal equipment. Here’s how you can start:<br /><br /><ol><li>Know Your Sky: Begin by familiarising yourself with constellations and prominent stars. Mobile apps like SkySafari and Star Walk can help you identify celestial objects and track events like meteor showers.</li><li>Best Viewing Spots in India: Urban areas are often too bright for proper sky watching. Instead, head to rural areas or designated dark-sky parks. Popular spots include Coorg in Karnataka, Lonar Crater in Maharashtra, and Nubra Valley in Ladakh.</li><li>What to Look For: Start with easy targets like the Moon, planets (especially Jupiter and Saturn), and bright constellations. As you grow more confident, you can look for fainter objects like nebulae and galaxies using binoculars or a small telescope.</li><li>Join a Community: Connect with local astronomy clubs or online communities. This not only enhances your knowledge but also offers opportunities to participate in group sky-watching events and astrophotography workshops.</li></ol>Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, National Space Day is the perfect time to look up and appreciate the vastness of our universe. With India's growing interest in space, there has never been a better time to start your journey into the night sky. So grab your camera or simply your eyes, and begin exploring the cosmos from your own backyard.<br />

National Space Day: Here’s the beginner’s guide to astrophotography and sky watching in India

<br /><ul><li><strong>The Airtel <keyword id="846502" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-half-marathon">Delhi half-marathon</keyword> race tried using ultra-high frequency radio waves to cleanse air for runners.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The organisers also used other conventional measures like spraying water vapour from a height of 20 ft to reduce smog.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>New Delhi’s air quality has been ranging between 301 to 400 which is in the ‘very poor’ category.</strong><br /></li></ul>In a battle against the national capital’s worsening air quality, the organisers of the New Delhi half-marathon used ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves to make the environment conducive for the participants. The UHF technology, manufactured by a Bengaluru-based, <keyword id="6978130" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Devic-Earth">Devic Earth</keyword>, broadcasts radio waves that reduce air pollutants like carbon-dioxide, nitrogen-dioxide and sulphur-dioxide by 30%-40%.<br /><br />The Delhi half marathon organisers signed on Devic Earth to install two of these machines along the race routes. One of the machines was installed at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium whereas the other was set up outside the Le Meridien hotel on Janpath. <br /><br />According to the <a href="https://www.devic-earth.com/pure-skies">company’s website</a>, the Pure Skies Technology system can improve air quality by 33%. Moreover, the devices installed over the rooftop (for external air quality check) covers an average area of 10-20 km. But, the company refuted the fact that the central environment ministry had <a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/radio-waves-versus-pollution/cid/1672304">pumped in ₹5.5 lac</a> as initial capital to commence the project. <br /><br />The event organisers also tried other tried-and-tested measures like dampening the dust, treating the roads with reagents and spraying water vapour. <br /><br />The Airtel Delhi half-marathon was called-off last year due to toxic smog which covered the whole city just before the Diwali festival. The celebration period during Diwali contributes significantly to polluting the city and causing the air quality to plummet. Apart from this, vehicular pollution is another contributing factor which worsens pollution levels every year. <br /><br />In a conversation with Business Insider India, one of the race participants, Sukriti Kalra, said, “Generally, I go for a daily run and struggle with a lot of smog but yesterday I felt that the measures taken by the New Delhi half-marathon team had improved air quality. The efforts seem to be pretty effective. The organisers took care of all the requirements, particularly cleansing the air for the runners, which made a difference for the race participants.”<br /><br />The company or the organisers did not reveal the results of using the machine but data from tracking devices at the Delhi Pollution Control committee at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium revealed that PM 2.5 and PM 10 were recorded at beyond 200 micrograms per cubic metre, much above the acceptable limit. The level of particulate matter plummeted on the morning of the race day, but it also jumped quickly during the daytime. <br /><br />Surprisingly, pollution experts are not sure of the after-effects of using this technology to curb the air pollution issue in Delhi. However, the race organiser did seek <a href="https://scroll.in/article/899342/delhi-half-marathons-use-of-radio-waves-in-bid-to-curb-air-pollution-leaves-experts-sceptical">an approval</a> before installing the machines and was given a go ahead. There were also concerns about the use of radio wave technology as it impacts the ecology adversely. Pollution experts have strongly recommended checking environmental impact of using such radio wave technology prior to using machines like these on a mass level. <br /><br />The <a href="http://safar.tropmet.res.in/">recent data </a>by System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), has revealed that the <keyword id="2071721" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Quality-Index">Air Quality Index</keyword> of India’s capital remains ‘very poor’, ranging between 301 to 400. <br /><br />In order to contain the pollution issue in New-Delhi, the central government has formed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, also known as EPCA. The government body, powered by Supreme Court, will work on measures to reduce pollution in the national capital region (NCR). <br />

India’s national capital used radio waves to battle air quality during the city’s half marathon

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Thomson Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">The sign of a Macy's department store is pictured in Pasadena</p></div><p></p></div></div>Mounting inventory at Macy's Inc portends a tough holiday quarter for U.S. department store operators as they compete with home improvement and electronics retailers for the attention of thrifty customers.</p><p>Inventory was up 4.6 percent at the end of October - 3.1 percent on a comparable basis - after the warmest fall quarter in 25 years hit sales of winter clothing and footwear.</p><p>A strong dollar also kept many tourists away from Macy's biggest stores.</p><p>"We will need to liquidate this inventory in the fourth quarter so that we can maintain the flow of fresh new merchandise," Chief Financial Officer Karen Hoguet said on a call after Macy's reported third-quarter results.</p><p>A surprise drop in comparable sales for Macy's set alarm bells ringing in the department store industry, sending shares of Kohl's Corp and Nordstrom Inc down on Wednesday.</p><p>All three are scheduled to report results this week, although analysts said J.C. Penney and Nordstrom are likely to fare better than Macy's, Kohl's could disappoint.</p><p>A survey by Sterne Agee CRT showed that, in October, more consumers used savings from lower gasoline prices to pay down debt than bought discretionary items.</p><p>Those still spending are buying more electronics than clothing and cosmetics, a shift identified by Chief Executive Terry Lundgren as contributing to a third straight quarterly decline in Macy'sstores open at least a year.</p><p>Macy's, whose flagship Herald Square store covers an entire Manhattan block, said it would need to discount to clear fall season inventories. Analysts said Kohl's was likely to follow suit, as weather is also a big factor in its sales.</p><p>"Unless you enter the fourth quarter very clean ... it puts into jeopardy the most important quarter of the year," said Dan Hess, chief analyst at research firm Merchant Forecast.</p><p>With November also expected to be the warmest in decades, some stores are hanging Christmas decorations later than usual, a subliminal message to shoppers to hold off on gift-buying until more of the fall season stock is cleared.</p><p>"There's a danger to hanging the tinsel too early," said Hess.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Daniel Goodman / Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">The factors that weighed on Macy's should not affect J.C. Penney and Nordstrom to the same extent, analysts said.</p></div><p></p></div></div>But the factors that weighed on Macy's should not affect J.C. Penney and Nordstrom to the same extent, analysts said.</p><p>J.C. Penney gave a sneak preview of its performance in the August-October quarter, saying comparable sales rose 6.4 percent, which would be the biggest same-store sales jump in more than nine years.</p><p>Sterne Agee CRT analyst Charles Grom said sales were being boosted by a greater number of the popular Sephora beauty outlets within J.C. Penney stores, as well as an improved assortment of home, children's and private-label goods.</p><p>Nordstrom's broad fashion spectrum, from the priciest designer apparel to more affordable clothing, would help it to clear inventories quicker than some rivals, analysts said.</p><p>(Reporting by Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Editing by Robin Paxton)</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/swimsuit-models-in-real-life-2015-10">What Sports Illustrated swimsuit models look like in real life</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="1xdThjeDr9rdJ_RuiU9J86ltIF4jL-Qf" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

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