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New Delhi: <keyword id="20081557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-industry" source="keywords">Auto industry</keyword> players are eyeing robust performance in the ongoing festive period to lift overall consumer sentiment and set the tone for the rest of the year amid slowing demand. The festive season usually commences with Onam and ends with Diwali every year. <keyword id="20034542" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kia-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Kia India" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Kia India">Kia India</keyword> National Head of Sales and Marketing Hardeep Singh Brar told PTI that the last 3-4 months were not good for the industry as sales declined compared to the same period last year. "With pent-up demand of the last few months there and government investment starting to flow in, we feel things should start improving from here onwards," he noted. Brar said the booking momentum in September was good, which is a strong indication for October. "And this time, all festivals are in October..we expect about 5-10 per cent sales growth during the period as compared to last year," he added. Brar said that in the January-April period, the passenger vehicle industry witnessed a growth of 7 per cent, but in May-September, there was a dip of about 2-3 per cent, leading to the buildup of inventory. <keyword id="20505895" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nissan-Motor" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Nissan Motor" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Nissan Motor">Nissan Motor</keyword> India Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa said the entire industry is looking at the festive season to bring some cheer after witnessing tough three months. "I think it has been a challenging period. The festive period will define the quarter, and the third quarter will define what happens in the remaining part of the year," he said. Everybody is looking forward to the festive seasons, especially from the industry, he added. <keyword id="19967765" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toyota-Kirloskar-Motor" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toyota Kirloskar Motor" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Toyota Kirloskar Motor">Toyota Kirloskar Motor</keyword> Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Sabari Manohar said the company is witnessing enhanced footfalls and enquiries. "Key to meeting this rising demand has been our strategic operational improvements, such as the introduction of a third shift. This has significantly optimised our supply chain, particularly for high-demand models like the Urban Cruiser HyRyder, where waiting periods have been reduced," he said. Additionally, there is a clear shift in sentiment, with an increasing embrace of eco-friendly technologies, not only in urban areas but also in Tier II and Tier III markets, Manohar said. <keyword id="19909974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maruti-Suzuki" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Maruti Suzuki" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Maruti Suzuki">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> India Senior Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) Partho Banerjee said the company is trying to increase its sales by bringing in some limited edition models. He noted that during Ganesh Chaturthi and Janmashtami, the company witnessed good traction in sales and has been able to generate volumes as per the business requirements. <keyword id="19906967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Motors" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Motors" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Tata Motors">Tata Motors</keyword> Passenger Vehicles MD Shailesh Chandra said in its monthly sales statement that registrations have picked up pace towards the end of the month (September), which augurs well for the festive period ahead. "We remain focused on driving up consumer preference for our exciting range of vehicles while maintaining the health of our dealer network," he added.

Carmakers expect festive period to bring in robust sales, improve overall buyer sentiment

A few years back, after a promotional event at a five-star hotel in New Delhi, <keyword id="19914485" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gautam-Gambhir" source="keywords">Gautam Gambhir</keyword> was seen smiling in the foyer — an unusual sight. A couple of journalists approached him. Known for being a non-conformist, he was in the midst of a cold war with the then officials of the Delhi and District <keyword id="19919646" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cricket" source="keywords">Cricket</keyword> Association (DDCA). "You know why I don't fear anyone in this establishment? Because I am not here to earn money," he told the journalists, writes Kushan Sarkar, a special correspondent with Press Trust of India (PTI). <h2>Gambhir named new <keyword id="20147279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="head-coach" source="keywords">head coach</keyword></h2> On Tuesday, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Gautam Gambhir as head coach of the Indian cricket team. The former opener fills gigantic shoes of the legendary Indian Mr Dependable batsman <keyword id="19923639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rahul-Dravid" source="keywords">Rahul Dravid</keyword>, and is tasked with building on the latter's success in the recent T20 World Cup. "I have always taken pride while donning the Indian jersey during my playing days, and it is going to be no different when I take up this new role," said the 42-year-old Gambhir in a statement. <div type="image" title="Gautam Gambhir becomes new head coach of Indian men&amp;#39;s cricket team" agency="ANI" msid="111615122" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Gautam Gambhir becomes new head coach of Indian men&amp;#39;s cricket team&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced that Gautam Gambhir has been unanimously appointed as the head coach. Gambhir, who scored over 10,000 international runs in his 13-year career, will travel to Sri Lanka with the team for his first assignment in late July. Iconic Indian batters Rohit Sharma and <keyword id="19907934" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli" source="keywords">Virat Kohli</keyword> have been rested for the white ball ODI series against the Lankans. Shah praised Gambhir as a "fierce competitor and a brilliant strategist" and expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the team's performance. "We believe he will bring the same tenacity and leadership to his role as head coach," Shah said. "He will bring out the best in our players." <h2>A new journey for the former MP</h2> Gambhir played a crucial role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup win and recently led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an <keyword id="19906063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL" source="keywords">IPL</keyword> title. His extensive experience in various capacities throughout his career makes him an ideal candidate for the coaching job, according to Shah. After retiring as a player, Gambhir ventured into commentary and politics, becoming a lawmaker for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before quitting politics in March to rejoin KKR as a mentor. BCCI president Roger Binny hailed Gambhir's appointment as marking a "new chapter for Indian cricket," emphasizing his "experience, dedication, and vision for the game." "India is my identity and serving my country has been the greatest privilege of my life. I'm honoured to be back, albeit wearing a different hat. But my goal is the same as it has always been, to make every Indian proud. The men in blue shoulder the dreams of 1.4 billion Indians and I will do everything in my power to make these dreams come true!," said Gambhir in a post on 'X'. <h2>Controversial journey of the new coach</h2> As Gambhir steps into this challenging role, his outspoken and often controversial personality will be scrutinized against Dravid's calm approach. Coming from Central Delhi's Old Rajinder Nagar — a hub for Civil Services aspirants — Gambhir never found things easy in Indian cricket. Perhaps this is why intensity became his second nature, as he had to constantly prove himself, writes Kushan Sarkar. As Delhi's skipper, he once refused to attend practice for days until Ajay Jadeja, the team coach accused of match-fixing, resigned. His remarks have often been portrayed to have reflected his belief that Mahendra Singh Dhoni gets undue credit for a single six in the 2011 World Cup final. His altercation with India's star player Virat Kohli during IPL matches (RCB Vs KKR in 2013 and RCB Vs LSG in 2023) also received widespread traction. Despite such — often controversial — actions, he is well-respected across the Indian cricket fraternity for his unflinching commitment and loyalty to his team. With the T20 World Cup win in Barbados last month, Indian cricket team gave wings to the dreams of billions of Indian cricket fans. But the win also came as a bittersweet surprise, with multiple senior players announcing their retirement — marking the end of an era in the country's cricket history. As Gambhir takes the steering wheel as the new head coach one can only wish that the journey — with all its ups and downs — turns out to a successful one for both him, and the team! <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111370557" title="Emotional rollercoaster: Team India&amp;#39;s historic T20I World Cup win marks a golden chapter in Indian cricket" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111395294" title="Jay Shah confirms Team India&amp;#39;s new head coach will join from Sri Lanka series" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div>

'Mr Intense' Gautam Gambhir succeeds 'Mr Dependable' as Indian men's cricket team's head coach

Around 26 per cent of <keyword id="19896991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cancer" source="keywords">cancer</keyword> patients in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> have tumours in the head and neck, and there is an upward trend of such cases in the country, a study has found. The findings of the study, conducted on 1,869 cancer patients across the country, were released on the World <keyword id="20775483" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="head-and-neck-cancer" source="keywords">Head and Neck Cancer</keyword> Day observed on Saturday. Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation, conducted the study by collating data from calls received on its helpline number from March 1 to June 30. Dr. Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist who is heading the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign in India, said that India is seeing surge in head and neck cancer cases, especially among young men, due to increased <keyword id="20681485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tobacco-consumption" source="keywords">tobacco consumption</keyword> and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. "Around 80-90 pc of oral cancer patients have been found to use tobacco in some form, be it smoking or chewing. Most of the head and neck cancer are preventable, unlike other cancers for which the reason is unknown. It is a preventable cancer that can be prevented with lifestyle modification. "There is a need to raise awareness to quit tobacco and early check-ups for early pickup of the disease," Gupta said. In India, nearly two-thirds of cancer cases are detected late likely due to low adoption of proper screening, he said. Gupta added that the Cancer Mukt Bharat campaign aims to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on individuals and communities through education and early detection. "If found early in stages one or two, most head and neck cancers are curable in more than 80 pc of patients. In the field of cancer treatment, we get new medicines almost every week which can treat cancer in better way leading to better outcomes and good quality of life. "A combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can be used for treating head and neck cancer. Latest cancer treatment has evolved to prioritize not just curing the disease, but also ensuring a good quality of life for survivors," he said. Under the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign, a free national helpline number (93-555-20202) was launched recently, which is operational from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. Cancer patients can call on this number to speak to leading oncologists directly or even do a video call to discuss about their treatment without paying any fees. Head and neck cancer was closely followed by gastrointestinal cancers which was 16 per cent. Fufteen per cent cancers in India re breast cancers and and blood cancers make up 9 per cent of them. These data are in line with the latest GLOBOCAN data -- a database that gives global cancer statistics -- on India. GLOBOCON data is part of International Agency for Research on Cancer's Global Cancer Observatory. India is expected to have 2.1 million new cancer cases by 2040, a big jump from the numbers in 2020, as per a recent GLOBOCAN report. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms" target="_blank">Apple to manufacture iPhone 16 Pro models in India soon after launch</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms" target="_blank">Pixel 9 series design and specs revealed ahead of launch next month</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/akums-drugs-ipo-opens-soon-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112033450.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/akums-drugs-ipo-opens-soon-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112033450.cms" target="_blank">Akums Drugs IPO opens soon – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Cancers in head and neck rising, account for 26% cases in India: Study

New Delhi, Former India coach <keyword id="19923639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rahul-Dravid" source="keywords">Rahul Dravid</keyword> passed a lead to his successor <keyword id="19914485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gautam-Gambhir" source="keywords">Gautam Gambhir</keyword> in taming the tough situations he is bound to encounter - "exhale, take a step back", a message that left the latter "emotional." Dravid vacated the hot seat after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in the Americas last month, and Gambhir took over the reins of the team from the on-going whiteball tour to <keyword id="19931726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka" source="keywords">Sri Lanka</keyword>. "From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back. I wish you the very best Gautam. I am sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights," Dravid said in a video posted by <keyword id="19901245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BCCI" source="keywords">BCCI</keyword> on its 'X' handle. Dravid's dry wit came to the fore even amidst that touching message. "Even if it's difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people," he said, eliciting a wide smile from Gambhir. Gambhir sounded moved while thanking his predecessor for the wise words "I don't get too emotional but I think this message actually made me a lot emotional which normally I shouldn't. But it's a great message. "It's massive shoes that I can hopefully fill. Hopefully, I can do that with absolute honesty, transparency and hopefully, I can make the entire nation and more importantly, the person I have always looked up to - Rahul Bhai - proud," he said. Dravid was certain that Gambhir, who carried a never-say-die attitude in his playing days, will bring his fighting qualities to the coaching job as well. "As your teammate, I saw you giving it your all on the field. As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and refusal to surrender. Across many IPL seasons, I noted your desire to win, your assistance to younger players and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field. "I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket and I am sure you will bring all these qualities into the new job," he said. The 51-year-old, however, offered a word of caution to his one-time teammate about living under constant scrutiny. "As you know, the expectations will be high and the scrutiny will be intense," he said, also reminding that there will be overwhelming support for him from all quarters. "But even in the worst of times you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management and never forget for whom you play - for fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team." Dravid hoped that Gambhir will have a fully-fit squad to work with, and will have the assistance of fortune in crunch moments. "I also hope that you will also have the availability of fully fit players in every squad. Good luck with that. I also wish you a little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are," he noted. The former Indian captain also urged Gambhir to forge a strong bond with the team members - something he managed to do during his tenure. "Hello Gautam, and welcome to the most exciting job in our world, as coach of the Indian cricket team. It's been three weeks since I ended my stint with the Indian team in a manner that was beyond my dreams, both in Barbados and a few days later in that unforgettable evening in Mumbai. "More than anything else I will cherish the memories and friendships I made in my time with the squad. As you take over the role of India coach, it's what I wish for you as well," he added. Gambhir imbibed Dravid's words in their true sense, and said he has not seen a more "selfless" servant of Indian cricket. "I don't know how to react because this message means so much to me. The reason is not because it comes from the person who I have succeeded but from a person who I have always looked up to when I was playing. "I have always felt that and I said it in a lot of my interviews - I think the most selfless cricketer I have actually ever played with. Rahul bhai has done anything and everything Indian cricket needed." Gambhir said Dravid's association with Indian cricket is a text book for others to learn from. "I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and the current generation as well. That's how important Indian cricket is, not me, not individuals," he said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-16-pro-models-in-india-soon-after-launch/articleshow/112045172.cms" target="_blank">Apple to manufacture iPhone 16 Pro models in India soon after launch</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-series-design-and-specs-revealed-ahead-of-launch-next-month/articleshow/112039063.cms" target="_blank">Pixel 9 series design and specs revealed ahead of launch next month</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/akums-drugs-ipo-opens-soon-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112033450.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/akums-drugs-ipo-opens-soon-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112033450.cms" target="_blank">Akums Drugs IPO opens soon – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

In most heated of times, exhale, take a step back: Dravid''s message to Gambhir

<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. 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. <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: <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. <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 <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. 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 <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. 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 <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. 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 <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. 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 <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: <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.

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

Automaker <keyword id="6372046" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kia" source="Orion">Kia</keyword> India on Thursday said its total wholesales increased 3 per cent to 24,770 units in May. The company undertook a plant maintenance shutdown from May 15-20. It had dispatched 24,079 units to dealers in May 2022. While the overall domestic sales stood at 18,766 units, exports accounted for 6,004 units in May 2023. Sonet sales stood at 8,251 units last month, while <keyword id="7719901" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="seltos" source="Orion">Seltos</keyword> and <keyword id="12647263" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="carens" source="Orion">Carens</keyword> dispatches stood at 4,065 and 6,367 units, respectively. The company also reported sales of 83 units of its electric offering EV6. "Although we faced some production limitations due to our plant annual maintenance shutdown for a week in May which impacted our numbers, we are confident of strong performance in coming months," <keyword id="17580649" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kia-india-national-head" source="Orion">Kia India National Head</keyword> (Sales &amp; Marketing) Hardeep Singh <keyword id="3972428" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="brar" source="Orion">Brar</keyword> said in a statement. The company is witnessing a growing demand for the iMT range, he added. "This month, iMT has contributed 38 per cent of our total sales," Brar said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-announces-new-e-scooter-450s-with-3-kwh-battery-pack/articleshow/100675350.cms">Ather announces new e-scooter '450S' with 3 kWh battery pack</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indias-manufacturing-sector-hits-31-month-high-growth-in-may/articleshow/100675339.cms">India's manufacturing sector hits 31-month high growth in May</a>

Kia India sales up 3% in May at 24,770 units

India's <keyword id="20884491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cement-industry" source="keywords">cement industry</keyword> is heating up faster than a kiln! If one’s tracking the sector, the war-like situation between the existing and emerging cement giants is pretty evident. For the uninitiated, Aditya Birla Group-backed <keyword id="19963567" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ultratech-Cement" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ultratech Cement" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ultratech Cement">Ultratech Cement</keyword> and <keyword id="19955648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Adani-Group" source="keywords">Adani Group</keyword> have been at loggerheads for increased market share in recent years. And now, JSW Cement also seems to be gearing up to challenge the potential duopoly. As conglomerates aggressively acquire smaller players to achieve market domination, the cement industry in India right now resembles an eighteenth-century battlefield. The battle has significantly escalated this year, but this trend of acquiring regional cement companies can be traced back to 2018 when Ultratech acquired Binani Cement. Since then, both Adani Group and Birla Group have been capturing checkposts all over India, one by one. Ultratech acquired Binani Cement to strengthen its base in the western region and this week, India Cement, for the southern states. Adani has also acquired the Hyderabad-based Penna Cement this year, after acquiring majority stakes in Ambuja Cements and ACC in 2022. But why the obsession with cement? <h2>Why are the Titans clashing for…cement?</h2>India's infrastructure boom is in full swing, and whoever controls the cement supply holds the key to this construction kingdom. Adani Group has been known to follow an acquire &amp; dominate strategy for capturing market segments. <keyword id="19907441" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aditya-Birla-Group" source="keywords">Aditya Birla Group</keyword>, however, has dominated the cement industry in India through Ultratech for a while now. The answer to the above question may simply lie in establishing the leadership moat for themselves. With even-growing public and private spending on infrastructure, both players want to capture the majority share to dominate the supplies of cement, which is essential for construction. <h2>Where is the sector heading?</h2>While both Adani and Aditya Birla groups have locked horns to acquire CK Birla’s Orient Cement for a while now, a new hurdle threatens their dominance. As per an Economic Times report, Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Cement has now started to evaluate the acquisition of the promoter stake in Orient Cement. As an emerging front, JSW Cement also aims to reach 50 MT per annum by 2030. However, two other major players, Shree Cement and Dalmia Bharat, already have 53 MTPA and 43 MTPA capacity. <div type="image" title="Birla Vs Adani" msid="112196675" hostid="261" sizebytes="284160" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Look back at major acquisitions in the cement sector&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> However, with over a dozen acquisitions over the last decade, both Ultratech and Adani Group are by far the largest players in the sector eyeing over 200 MT per annum by 2030. <h2>What about the prices?</h2>Will consumers benefit from this cutthroat competition to industry domination? In the short term at least, yes! While lower prices might sound appealing, it's essential to keep an eye on quality as consolidation in the manufacturing sector is always tricky. We don't want to end up with buildings crumbling like cookies. And let's not forget about the little guys. This consolidation of power into a few mega-corporations could squeeze out smaller players, reducing competition and potentially leading to higher prices in the long run. <h2>I think I’ve seen this film before….</h2>The current atmosphere of the cement industry feels reminiscent of what happened in the telecom industry in India in 2016 i.e. the infamous tussle of tariffs. As Reliance Industries launched Jio, it disrupted the entire segment and forced other telecom companies to compete on their terms. As a result, the tariffs fell sharply, companies shut and brands merged, but Jio still claims 40% of the market share in India in terms of subscriber count. Moreover, experts feel that the change in power dynamics in both these industries, cement and telecom, have direct ties to the current government’s industrial policy. Government policies seem to favour companies that have acquired a dominant position in distinct sectors of the economy, which in India’s case are led by two of the richest men in Asia — Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. This strategy of adopting ‘<keyword id="1327299" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-champions" source="Orion">National Champions</keyword>’ is seemingly inspired by South Korea’s <keyword id="4933297" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chaebols" source="Orion">Chaebols</keyword> and Japan’s Zaibatsu conglomerates that came into existence decades ago. <h2>From corporate drama to k-drama: Chaebols</h2>The term Chaebol might ring a bell if you've watched K-dramas. They are family-owned business conglomerates in South Korea. This business structure originated in the 1960s and got so popular that it made its way into Korean pop culture. While chaebols have fueled the rapid growth of the Korean economy, concerns about their opaque governance and controlling shareholder interests often deter external investors. Japan’s zaibatsu were also similar financial and industrial conglomerates that were major forces in Japan during World War II. Korea’s Hyundai and Japan’s Mitsubishi are some prime examples of this structure. <h2>Growth of the Goliaths</h2>Viral Acharya, the former Deputy Governor of the RBI, highlights the decade-old trend of the central government achieving economic growth outcomes by working with large conglomerates in part, rather than with state governments. In his conference paper for the Brookings Papers on Economic Activity in March 2023, he demonstrates this pattern with examples from multiple sectors. “By way of specific examples, the share of the Top 5 groups by sales in Civil Engineering and Construction rose from 31% in 2016 to 42% in 2021, in Telecommunications from 65% to over 84%, and in the Retail trade sector from under 44% to over 65%. Similarly, the share of Top-5 groups by Assets rose sharply by 2021 to 68% in the Manufacturing of Basic Metals, 26% in the Manufacturing of Chemicals, 90% in the Manufacturing of Refined Petroleum and Coke, and 47% in the Manufacturing of Non-metallic Mineral Products (including cement and other building materials),” writes Acharya. While this strategy of ‘National Champions’ has benefitted the telecom sector, it has its caveats. The acceleration in the growth may lead to an oligopolistic economy, thereby restricting the entry of new players and stifling innovation. Additionally, a multi-dimensional concentration of power poses the threat of crony capitalism. <h2>National champions: checks and challenges</h2>There’s more to this debate. Arvind Subramanian and Josh Felman, in their paper titled ‘India’s Stalled Rise’ note that the collective impact of this strategy could be more adverse in India, more than anywhere else. They explain that the two big conglomerates — Adani Group and Ambani-led Reliance “have interests that extend throughout the economy, in defence production, ports and airports, energy, natural gas, petroleum, digital platforms, telecommunications, entertainment, media, retail, textiles, financial payments, and education.” Chaebols and Zaibatsu have/had their demerits that range from autocratic decision-making dubbed as ‘imperialistic management’ to the slow inclination of the market towards an oligopolistic structure. However, they weren’t shielded from international competition, nor was this strategy of creating ‘national champions’ shaped using government regulation. They were prevalent in sectors that faced competition internationally, like Hyundai in automobile manufacturing, keeping them in check. The lack of a similar system of checks and balances in India may lead to deeper implications of this strategy of ‘national champions.’ Viral Acharya further notes that they “grew not just at the expense of the smallest firms, but also of the next largest firms” and empirically established a causal link between market power and markups (broadly, profit). At a point when India has seen a monumental shift in infrastructure and looks to capture the market share that China could evacuate, the implications of a tilted policy could prove detrimental. While consolidation can improve performance and catalyse growth, we need to be very careful as a country of the direction we will set ourselves in at this crucial juncture. <h2>Also read:</h2> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112159576" title="India Cement employees to lose jobs after UltraTech acquisition? Chairman Srinivasan answers" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112163130" title="Ambuja Cements Q1FY25 profit at Rs 789.63 crore; revenue at Rs 8,311.48 crore" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div>

Cementing dominance: Birla vs Adani, of Chaebols, conglomerates, and National Champions

Nalin Bansal, Chief Relationship Management at the National <keyword id="20242630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="payments" source="keywords">Payments</keyword> Corporation of India (<keyword id="19998946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NPCI" source="keywords">NPCI</keyword>), speaking at the Global Fintech Festival 2024 on Wednesday, emphasized that only 25 per cent of payment users are <keyword id="19900675" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="women" source="keywords">women</keyword>, with even lower penetration in semi-urban and rural areas. "While we've achieved significant scale in <keyword id="20377974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-inclusion" source="keywords">financial inclusion</keyword>, penetration remains a challenge, with only 25% of payment users being women, and even fewer in semi-urban and rural areas. Many women's mobile numbers are not linked to their bank accounts, hindering their participation," Bansal said. He added, "Yet, data shows women are 50% less prone to fraud and are highly loyal and engaged users. As an ecosystem, we must prioritize personalized, assisted services and continuous engagement across all channels. UPI123 has made strides, especially for initiatives like Ujjwala, and prepaid instruments hold promise as a 'secret purse' for women. Building trust is crucial, and it is our collective responsibility to foster it." Women are more likely to adopt <keyword id="20853683" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="digital-financial-services" source="keywords">digital financial services</keyword> when introduced by local agents or <keyword id="22950816" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="community-influencers" source="keywords">community influencers</keyword>, particularly women who can help them overcome social and technological barriers. Women who make at least five <keyword id="19971375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transactions" source="keywords">transactions</keyword> in the first week of onboarding are twice as likely to continue using <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword>. This highlights the need for financial service providers to rethink in-app nudges and sales metrics to encourage consistent usage. 93 per cent of women surveyed expressed the need for ongoing support during the first three months of using digital payments, particularly for grievance redressal during failed transactions. Kalpana Ajayan, Regional Head - South Asia, Women's World Banking, said, "We recognize that digital payments can serve as a powerful tool for women, enabling them to manage their finances more effectively, access a broader range of services, and ultimately secure a better future for themselves and their families." She added, "By addressing the specific barriers that women face in adopting digital payments, we open up a new frontier for growth. This initiative is about much more than inclusion--it's about positioning women as key drivers in the digital financial ecosystem." The NPCI's UPI platform has already revolutionized India's payment landscape, with UPI transactions soaring from Rs 920 million (USD 11.08 million) in FY 2017-18 to Rs 83750 million (USD 1.01 billion) in FY 2022-23, reflecting a staggering CAGR of 147 per cent. The value of UPI transactions reached INR 80.79 trillion (USD 96,287) across approximately 55.66 billion transactions in the first four months of FY 2024-25. Of the 536 million women aged 15 years and older in India, 37 per cent report using mobile internet, making the addressable market for UPI solutions among women around 200 million strong.

Women are more likely to adopt digital financial services when introduced by local agents or women community influencers

<keyword id="19896016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-delhi" source="keywords">New Delhi</keyword>, <keyword id="20034542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kia-india" source="keywords">Kia India</keyword> on Friday said it is planning to have around 700 sales and service touchpoints in 300 cities by the end of the year. The automaker, which sells models like <keyword id="20037256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="seltos" source="keywords">Seltos</keyword> and Sonet, has 522 such touchpoints across 236 cities. The company said it is focussed on strengthening its presence in Tier-1 and Tier-2 markets, contributing 40 per cent to its total network strength. <keyword id="19997865" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kia" source="keywords">Kia</keyword> <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> is also focused on expanding its touchpoints in the Tier-4 and upcountry markets, it added. "We have expanded our touchpoints network from 285 to 522 since starting our operations in India. As part of Kia's 2.0 strategy, we are aiming to close the year with over 700 touchpoints, thereby making Kia more accessible to our esteemed customers," Kia India National Head Sales &amp; Marketing Hardeep Singh Brar said. The automaker is also committed to sustainability by introducing the green workshop concept and encouraging all its dealer partners to transition to eco-friendly workshops, he added. Kia India also intends to increase its certified pre-owned network to 100 outlets by the end of 2024. It currently has 59 such outlets across the country.

Kia India looks to expand sales, service network to 700 touchpoints by year-end

Dark clouds covered the island as it received rainfall, threatening the high-stakes clash between <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> and <keyword id="19895799" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="australia" source="keywords">Australia</keyword> at the <keyword id="22070220" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Daren-Sammy-National-Cricket-Stadium" source="keywords">Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium</keyword> in the <keyword id="20186427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICC-T20-World-Cup-2024" source="keywords">ICC T20 World Cup 2024</keyword> <keyword id="22109181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Super-Eight-match" source="keywords">Super Eight match</keyword> on Monday. Ahead of the clash between the heavyweights, the venue in Saint Lucia is currently facing some downpours with gloomy conditions. A win against Australia will cement India's top spot in Group 1, while a loss could see them overtaken by Australia and even Afghanistan should they win against Bangladesh in the last match of the <keyword id="22035748" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Super-Eights" source="keywords">Super Eights</keyword>. Meanwhile, the island on Sunday also received heavy <keyword id="19991168" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rain" source="keywords">rain</keyword>. Rohit Sharma-led Team India are currently holding the top spot in Group 1 of the Super Eights after sealing a win in all of their previous two matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Men in Blue will head into the match after beating Bangladesh by 50 runs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh's Australia suffered a humbling 21-run defeat against Afghanistan in their previous match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. In a pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Australia, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey believes that if the execution is right, nothing will stop Men in Blue from prevailing over the Aussies in a clash of heavyweights. The bowling coach said that the "implementation of plans" against the Aussies will play a big role. "We played them initially. Earlier, a lot of these guys have played against them. A lot of guys have played in the IPL. So, in terms of knowing of the game, the approach that is going to change has been similar in the past games that we played. I don't think it's going to change. I think it's all what we can do is really focus on the implementation of our plans," Mhambrey said in a pre-match press conference. "And the bottom line is execution. I think if you're as close to execution, you will win every game. So, it's not about what the other opponent's going to do yet. We know what kind of approach they come with. That's the way they played in the past as well. But I think the focus purely should be on, that's what we will focus on in execution. And if we're as close to our plans, I'm pretty sure that we're going to cross the other side. On the other hand, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald opened up about the struggle to cope with playing in a short time between Afghanistan and India matches, which involves air travel. "I mean, once the draw comes out, you are well aware of what you need to do and, in your planning, and preparation and that goes into it months before you get here and we feel like as I said we have made some good decisions in our planning and prep and coming in and yeah, we have got another challenge with a short turnaround. Every team's facing that, so yeah, it will be recovery mode tonight and tomorrow. Give the boys a bit of space and yeah, we would not drill into it too much tonight (loss to Afghanistan and lack of recovery time)," McDonald said in a pre-match press conference. "As you said, it is pretty early in the morning. So, getting that information in will happen in the morning of the Indian game. So, a bit of space. The boys know where we went wrong. They are an experienced group. But there is no doubt when we come back together on the morning of the Indian game, we need to be at our best. And to be at our best, we need recovery. And if people do not recover in time, then clearly, we will make decisions based around that. But so far so good, everyone has pulled up well," he added. Squads: India Squad: Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Australia Squad: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh(c), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green and Nathan Ellis.

T20 WC: Rain lashes out in St Lucia threatening high stakes India-Australia clash

New Delhi, Automaker Kia India on Thursday said it will increase prices of Seltos and Carens by up to 2 per cent from October 1, according to a senior company official. However, the company will not hike the prices of its entry-level model Sonet. "We are looking to take about a 2 per cent price increase on Seltos and Carens from October 1," Kia India National Head (Sales and Marketing) Hardeep S Brar told PTI. The company had last hiked prices in April this year as it upgraded its portfolio to conform to Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms, he said. "While many of the companies have already taken the price increase post-April, we, however, did not take...besides the raw material prices are going up.. and we introduced the new Seltos and a lot of investment has gone into the product..so we think it is time that we take the price increase," Brar said. Kia India also sells an electric model EV6 in the country.

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