Author: CNBC

Mission Chandrayaan-3: Propulsion module returns from lunar to Earth orbit

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In another unique experiment, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said that the Propulsion Module (PM) of Chandrayaan-3 which was in orbit around the Moon, conducting the lone experiment that it was tasked to carry out from there and has moved back successfully to an orbit around Earth.

The announcement regarding achieving this technical feat was made by the space agency on Tuesday. ISRO confirmed that the PM fulfilled its main goal which is transporting the lander module from the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) to the final lunar polar circular orbit and achieving successful separation as intended.

The primary objective of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was to demonstrate a soft landing near to lunar south polar region and perform experiments using the instruments on Vikram and Pragyaan. The scientific instruments in Lander and Rover were operated continuously for 1 lunar day as per the defined mission life. The mission objectives of Chandrayaan-3 have been completely met. About the Propulsion Module, the main objective was to ferry the Lander module from GTO to the final lunar polar circular orbit and separate the Lander.

“After separation, Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload in the PM was also operated. The initial plan was to operate this payload for about three months during the mission life of PM. The precise orbit injection by LVM3 and optimal earth / lunar burn manoeuvres resulted in the availability of over 100 kg of fuel in the PM after over one month of operations in the lunar orbit. It was decided to use the available fuel in the PM to derive additional information for future lunar missions and demonstrate the mission operation strategiesfor a sample return mission,” ISRO said in it’s release.

In order to continue SHAPE payload for Earth observation, it was decided to re-orbit the PM to a suitable Earth orbit. This mission plan was worked out considering collision avoidance such as preventing the PM from crashing onto the Moon’s surface or entering into the Earth’s GEO belt at 36000 km and orbits below that. Considering the estimated fuel availability and the safety of GEO spacecraft, the optimal Earth return trajectory was designed for October 2023 month.

“First maneuver was performed on October 9, 2023, to raise apolune altitude to 5112 km from 150 km thus, increasing the period of orbit from 2.1 hrs to 7.2 hrs. Later, considering the estimate of available propellant, the second manoeuvre plan was revised to target an Earth orbit of 1.8 lakhs x 3.8 lakhs km. The Trans-Earthinjection (TEI)maneuver was performed on October 13, 2023. In the post-TEI manoeuvre realised orbit, the propulsion module made four Moon fly-bys before departing Moon SOI on November 10,” ISRO added.

Currently, the propulsion module is orbiting Earth and crossed its first perigee on November 22nd with an altitude of 1.54 lakhs km. The orbit period is nearly 13 days with 27 deg inclination. The perigee and apogee altitude vary during its trajectory and the predicted minimum perigee altitude is 1.15 lakhs km. Hence as per current orbit prediction, there is no threat of close approach with any operational Earth-orbiting satellites.

As per the plan, the SHAPE payload is being operated whenever Earth is in its field of view. Also, a special operation of the SHAPE payload was carried out on October 28, 2023, during a Solar Eclipse. The Shape payload operations will continue further.

According to the space agency, the following are the main outcomes from the return manoeuvres carried out on CH3 PM related to future missions:

• Planning and execution of trajectory and manoeuvres to return from the Moon to Earth.
• Development of a software module to plan such a manoeuvre and its preliminary validation.
• Planning and execution of a gravity-assisted flyby across a planet/ celestial body.
• Avoiding uncontrolled crashing of the PM on the Moon’s surface at the end of life of PM thus meeting the requirements of no debris creation.

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Jumboking looking to double its size within next two years

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Jumboking is looking to double its size over the next two years, Dheeraj Gupta, Founder and MD of the company said. Gupta noted that health and hygiene have become big determinants of purchase post COVID and consumers are therefore sticking to the brands they trust.

“The buoyant India story, optimism among the youth and their entrepreneurial energy have created room for the need for ‘meals on the go’. Hence, QSRs have become highly relevant to them as well,” he said.

Currently, Jumboking has 157 stores in Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

In April 2023, Jumboking launched loyalty program- JK Burger Rewards which aims to introduce new products first to its most loyal customers. They aim to have one million sign ups by August 2024 and have as of now completed more than half this number.

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Jain Housing partners with Jains Westminster Owners for restoration project

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Jain Housing and Construction has taken a step towards ensuring the restoration and revival of the Jains Westminster residential complex. In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jains Westminster Owners Welfare Association Saligramam, Jain Housing and Construction said it has committed to reimbursing expenses related to repairs, rectification, and renovation conducted by the association.

Under the terms of the MoU, Jain Housing and Construction will work closely with the association to assess the extent of repairs needed for the Jains Westminster complex. If the building is repairable, the renowned property developer has pledged to bear the costs of structural repairs.

The collaboration between the two entities emphasises restitution as the primary goal, with the restoration of the homeowners’ quality of life taking precedence over business considerations, the companies said in a joint statement.

Through this partnership, both entities are poised to restore the splendour of the Jains Westminster residential complex and provide homeowners with a secure and comfortable living environment, they said.

V Rajendran, a former secretary of the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers said that the structural deterioration observed in the complex can be attributed to the corrosive effects of chloride.

The structural consultant responsible for the complex has stated that the structural damage is not a result of any design or quality-related issues. Notably, there were no complaints regarding the building’s structure during the initial five years of occupancy. However, in 2019, the appearance of cracks in both columns and beams prompted a more thorough examination, revealing that chloride-induced corrosion was the root cause.

In response, Jain Housing enlisted the services of a specialised agency to carry out the necessary repairs. Despite these initial efforts, disagreements over the appropriate repair methods led to a halt in the rectification work, instigated by the Jains Westminster Owners Welfare Association. This suspension of the rectification work by the Welfare Association endured for a period of approximately 28 months.

Jain Housing and Construction has set forth specific conditions to complete repairs as part of the restoration process. Upon the conclusion of all repairs and rectification, the builder will commission an assessment from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) and a government-recognized agency.

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Genefitletics launches Asia’s first oral microbiome test

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Genefitletics, a direct to consumer microbiome company, is launching oral microbiome functional activity test-ORAHYG that will unravel the connection between dentistry, systemic health and open up new therapeutic avenues for transformative health outcomes

ORAHYG sits inside the company’s unique microbiome therapeutics as a service platform(MTAAS) platform- PROTEBA alongside company’s gut and vaginal microbiome functional activity tests, the company stated.

The platform, working at the interaction of system biology and machine learning, has built a human biology model for oral microbiome that uses biological sample- saliva to measure and analyze biochemical reactions at molecular level taking place at the top of the digestive tube- mouth and then apply mathematical model to determine molecular signatures predictive of chronic diseases in order to provide disease modifying therapeutic interventions, it said.

The molecular insights from this test would give a view of functions of the oral microbiome, their interaction with gut microbiome and impact on metabolic, cardiovascular, cognitive, skin and auto immune health. Customers would have an option to top this test with a gut microbiome functional activity test to get a transformative view of whole microbial functions and activities and their interaction with human host.

Sushant Kumar, Founder & CEO Genefitletics said,“ Mouth is the second largest & second most diverse colonized site for microbiome with 770 species comprising 100 billion microbes residing there. Each place inside the mouth right from tongue, throat, saliva and upper surface of mouth have distinctive and unique microbiome ecosystem. Taking care of oral health goes beyond sparkling smile and fresh breath.”

ORAHYG is a scientific breakthrough and will bring much needed solution to bridge the gap between dental health and overall health and longevity, the company said.

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Hard Rock Cafe expands by introducing local flavours

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hard Rock Cafe, New Delhi, has expanded by introducing local flavours along with the regular classic one in its menu. Chef Cyrus, director of culinary and chef at Hard Rock Cafe, New Delhi has curated a combination of local dishes inspired by the diverse culinary offerings, the brand said.

This British-American multinational chain has recently opened doors for patrons in Connaught Place, which is considered one of the busiest commercial hub in the country, it said.

The newly opened 6,254-square-foot HRC outlet is divided into three levels – the Rock Shop, and the marquee restaurant and bar area with a stage area for live concerts and performances. The total three-floor space can accommodate 122 guests at a time and has separate coffee, dining, and bar areas with seating arrangements, it added.

The cafe has musical vibes and allows one to discover the legendary lifestyle of old-school bands and icons with antique memorabilia on the walls collected from authentic sources.

“Displayed as wall art installations, the collectibles across the floors will transport people from the fancy to the fallacy world of legendary rock stars,” it said.

Originally, Hard Rock Cafe is an American multinational chain of theme bar-restaurants, memorabilia shops, casinos and museums founded in 1971. When started, the cafe began covering its walls with rock and roll memorabilia, a tradition which expanded to others in the chain.

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Housing prices in Ahmedabad see double-digit rise: Shivalik Group

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Any time to buy your dream home is a good time. It is especially the case now because housing prices have gone up in recent months and are expected to continue to rise further, according to a leading real estate developer from Ahmedabad.

According to a recent report by CREDAI, Colliers, and Liases Foras, housing prices in Ahmedabad have risen by an average of 14 percent in the last two years. The housing prices were up 11 percent on a yearly basis in the third quarter of the year. Housing prices in Ahmedabad have been strong amidst robust demand and quality launches by top developers. However, the steep increase in prices of cement, steel, and other raw materials is the biggest reason for the rise in property prices.

“The overall real estate segment is doing very well due to a strong revival in demand. As far as residential units are concerned, prices have gone up by an average of Rs. 400-500 per sq ft or approximately 10-13 percent this year because of higher construction costs. Considering the rise in prices of basic raw materials such as steel, cement, bricks, electrical wires, and fittings, among other things, developers are mulling fresh hikes in housing prices,” said Taral Shah, Managing Director of Shivalik Group, a leading real estate firm in Ahmedabad.

Shah noted that even though housing prices continue to head northwards, Ahmedabad remains the cheapest realty market among all the major cities.

“In Ahmedabad, the average housing price is around Rs. 6,000 per sq ft, which is at least 25 percent lower among the other major markets. There are schemes available for Rs 3,000 per sq ft or even lower in Ahmedabad, which is not even thinkable in other cities. Low housing prices are among the key reasons why many people from the metros and other bigger cities such as Hyderabad, Pune, and Bangalore are choosing Ahmedabad as their home,” Shah explained.

Continuing investments in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas in manufacturing, IT, and other sectors, as well as the emergence of GIFT City, home to the only international financial services centre in India, as a global financial services centre, are also contributing to attracting fresh talent to Ahmedabad, giving a fillip to the housing segment.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Money management — Key tips and tricks to save and spend

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Money is one of the strongest means to achieving your Dream Life. Earning Money is a fairly simple paradigm, the system sets young minds to aspire for education and skills that make earning possible even if not ensured. Do you know global statistics show that by the age of 60, 70 percent plus of individuals who have had a consistent income throughout their lives, might be broke?

In recent years, the ‘ease of Business’ push has encouraged businesses to mushroom in all types and sizes. But global statistics show that only 3 percent of the Businesses that are started survive for more than 10 years!

Money Management is an essential skill to a secure future, to exponential growth and even to creating generational wealth. Acquiring financial intelligence is the safety net we can have, for a thriving and happy life.

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Some simple tips to earn, save and spend wisely. Appearing small at first, these can be great ways to inculcate financial discipline in your life.

1. With every Revenue or Income you make, keep aside an amount towards Savings before you spend, and not the other way round.

2. Put aside 10 percent into a Bank account that you don’t use much, or have little access to. This is your Plan B Fund.

3. Create Separate Bank Accounts especially if you are an easy spender. Every time there is an inflow, make transfers to these bank accounts to retain money there. Ideally four which could be:

✓ Spends – Living & other Expenses.
✓ Investments – The amount you systematically put aside with the aim to invest and multiply. Your personalised investment plan.
✓ Growth – The high-risk high-return bucket, where you play the game for higher returns. Essentially an extension of the investment bucket. Ideally you can put aside up to 2% of your income or the amount you can afford to lose, whichever is lower.
✓ Dream – Small upgrades. Big upgrades. That trip you wanted to take, the property you wanted to buy, that expensive course you had to give a miss to in your student days. Living the good life as you define it. All of the savings and financial discipline has little value if you don’t indulge once in a while and life king size!

4. Avoid instant gratification. You have heard this before. Digital payments and e commerce have blurred the lines. Decide a limit for yourself. Set the limit across all your credit and debit cards for online transactions. Avoid debt that doesn’t build an asset or cashflow for you.

5. Do not solve everyone’s Money problems. If you find yourself solving others’ money problems constantly, it will not be long before you land yourself in one. Define your boundaries, and stick by them. Sometimes not bailing out people can be the best help you can give them. And yourself. Remember ‘Give a man fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for Life!’.

6. Increase your Income Potential. Upskill! Create Parallel sources of Income! Generate atleast one mode of Passive Income! Expanding your earning potential and thus your income is a sure shot way to get closer to your dream life.

7. Get familiar with the Opportunity Cost concept of decision making when it comes to Money decisions. Its how businesses thrive and individuals create wealth. Work on building muscle memory around this. Whenever you say ‘Yes’ to something, you say ‘No’ to something else.

8. Evaluate where you are at. Set a Goal for where you want to be. Chart your financial road map.

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9. Build ease around Money Conversations. The smoother this gets, the better your decisions will become.

10. Build a Great relationship with Money!

The author, Dhanashree Bhatkal, is founder at A Money Tree

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Understanding ESOP costs and why EBITDA of new-age tech companies shouldn’t include it

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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As more new-age technology companies get listed on Dalal Street, Indian retail investors are gradually coming to grips with how such firms report their financial results, including profit and loss, operating EBITDA and ESOPs (Employee Stock Options).

A major hiccup that has been observed among desi retail investors who have bet on new-age technology companies is related to ESOP costs. However, Factoring in ESOPs while calculating operating EBITDA does not give a fair representation of a company’s financial performance, profitability and growth.

This is why major new-age Indian tech companies including Paytm and Zomato report adjusted EBITDA excluding ESOPs, aligned with how major global technology companies such as AirBnB, Grab, Uber, Doordash, Affirm and Block share their financials.

Why ESOPs should fall outside the purview of operating EBITDA

ESOPS are share-based compensations given to employees and are accounted for as non-cash items. It may be noted that ESOPs do not have a direct impact on operating performance as they do not entail any actual cash outlay from the company, and the compensation is equivalent to the fair market value of the shares allotted to employees.

Simply put, ESOPs are non-cash measures that major technology companies around the world use to compensate employees, and do not hamper growth or monetization. While standard accounting norms call for ESOPs to be a part of operating EBITDA, it is not an accurate measure of the company’s profit or loss as it is a non-cash item.

Another important point that needs to be noted is that ESOP costs come down with time, as the vesting ages. Therefore, the operating metrics that investors should track is the adjusted EBITDA, which enables them to accurately depict the scale of growth a company is achieving every quarter.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Importance of education loan repayment strategy

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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According to the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), approximately ~0.13 million students travelled abroad for higher education as on March 20, 2022. This figure for 2021 stood at ~0.45 million and at ~0.26 million for 2020.

Furthermore, 40 million students were enrolled in higher education in India in FY2020. It is estimated that by FY2035, this number will touch the 92 million mark. The rising education inflation fails to deter students from achieving their academic aspirations as nowadays, students intend to finance their education independently without having to depend on their parents. Therefore, education loan is gaining massive popularity.

A student loan acts as an enabler to access quality higher education. An education loan is the first debt in a student’s life, and responsibly repaying it is essential to build a healthy credit score. Therefore, the repayment factor should be kept in mind right from the start of the education financing journey.

Understanding the moratorium period

Students who take an education loan are entitled to a moratorium period, i.e., a repayment holiday during which they are exempt from paying any loan EMIs. This grace period refers to the time between the loan amount reaching students and when they make their first EMI payment. Depending on the lender, the moratorium period will vary.

It is important to understand that this is not an interest-free period. Interest calculation begins immediately after loan disbursal, and this interest accrued is then added to the principal amount due. Hence, several education-focused financing institutions recommend that the student fraternity plan their repayments well in advance as it proves to be beneficial in the longer run.

Planning a repayment strategy

Robust research mechanism

The first crucial step towards an effective repayment strategy starts during the academic journey planning process. A student’s academic success and employability potential have a huge impact on the repayment of an education loan. Hence, it’s advisable to undertake thorough research on the courses, universities, and job opportunities available.

Read the fine print

Understanding the fine print of the loan structure is crucial for planning a seamless repayment strategy. Take the time to read all documents, terms and conditions and details regarding the loan structure. Students should discuss all the components, such as loan amount, tenure, repayment options, and EMI, with the lender to design the best repayment strategy.

• Maintain liquidity: Students must focus on prioritising their expenditures. This helps alter their spending habits and concentrate on saving to maintain liquidity. They must design a simple yet smart monthly budget and stick to it by spending judiciously. At the same time, they must set aside some amount every month as a backup so that they can pay their EMIs even during an emergency.

Tenure and EMI

These are two basic tenets of any loan. Students must take the opportunity to understand various repayment tenure options and EMIs in order to opt for the most suitable one. An even simpler method is using an education loan EMI calculator, a smart online tool that helps the student arrive at an estimated EMI by simply entering the interest rate, tenure, and loan amount. This can aid in creating an education loan repayment strategy that best suits them.

Time is key

As the moratorium period is not interest-free, aspirants should start repaying their loans in the form of simple/partial interest during the moratorium period. This also instils financially prudent habits among students.

Earn and learn

Students may explore part-time jobs/internships to earn additional income. A student visa for most countries issued for full-time degree-level studies allows them to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. This can help young aspirants learn unique life skills, earn extra bucks to support their lifestyle, and set a small amount aside to pay their EMIs in the future.

Many individuals begin their credit journey by taking the first step with an education loan. Hence, systematic planning to repay an education loan helps build a healthy credit score and increase creditworthiness. In the long run, this allows individuals to avail better rates and features on other retail financial products in the future, such as car loans, home loans, and credit cards.

Financial literacy combined with responsible spending behaviour will make the credit journey for students seamless. Many financial institutions these days leverage automated services to send timely reminders to the students to ensure a smooth repayment journey for the young aspirants.

The author, Rajesh Kachave, is Chief Business Officer- Education Loans at Avanse Financial Services.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow