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International Business Times
6 days ago
- Science
- International Business Times
Uranus is Leaking Heat Like Never Before — Experts are Baffled!
Back in 1986, Voyager 2 had discovered a surprisingly low amount of internal heat from Uranus when it passed the planet. Since then, scientists have thought of Uranus as the odd man out of the family of giant planets in our solar system, which also includes Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune. These planets all have a tendency to release more heat into space than they take in from the sun. According to a recent study, published Monday in Geophysical Research Letters, Uranus does have an internal heat source like its planetary siblings, which may have led scientists to misinterpret the data from Voyager 2. Uranus emits 12.5% more internal heat than it takes in from the Sun. Compared to the other three giant planets, which release over 100% of the solar energy they receive, that is still a significant reduction in heat. However, the study that analyzed decades' worth of archival data on the ice giant shows that Uranus doesn't deviate significantly from the general knowledge of scientists regarding the formation and evolution of giant planets. The researchers examined data on Uranus's global energy balance over an 84-year orbit of the Sun in order to arrive at this conclusion. The team discovered significant seasonal swings caused by the planet's erratic variations in sunlight exposure after combining this observational data with computational models. The latest results align with a previous study on Uranus' energy balance that was published in May in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The study, however, said that neither study provides a definitive explanation for why Uranus's internal heat is significantly lower than that of the other gas and ice giants. According to a statement from the researchers, Uranus might have had a "different interior structure or evolutionary history compared to the other giant planets." Additionally, the study discovered that Uranus's energy levels fluctuate in accordance with its 20-year seasons. According to the study, these variations "provide observational constraints that can be used to develop theories of planetary formation for giant planets," in conjunction with the planet's heat budget. As a result, Uranus is addressed as well as questioned in the paper, which the researchers point to as a compelling argument for further NASA exploration of the icy planet. Liming Li, study co-author and physicist at the University of Houston, said, "By uncovering how Uranus stores and loses heat, we gain valuable insights into the fundamental processes that shape planetary atmospheres, weather systems, and climate systems," adding, "These findings help broaden our perspective on Earth's atmospheric system and the challenges of climate change."
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Factors to Consider While Taking a Two Wheeler Loan
Factors to Consider While Taking a Two Wheeler Loan Purchasing a two-wheeler can be a smart move for daily commuting and personal mobility. However, not everyone may have the required funds to pay the full cost upfront. In such cases, a two-wheeler loan provides a convenient and structured way to finance the vehicle. These loans, offered by many financial institutions, often cover the vehicle cost while also including expenses like registration and insurance. Before applying, it is important to understand key aspects of the loan. This guide outlines seven key factors to help you make a well-informed and financially wise decision. 1. Loan Amount The loan amount sanctioned for a two-wheeler purchase can vary depending on the cost of the vehicle and your repayment capacity. In most cases, the loan may cover the entire cost of vehicle, including insurance and registration. However, borrowing a higher amount may lead to a higher EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment). It is important to assess your financial situation and determine a loan amount that fits into your monthly budget without disrupting other expenses. 2. Interest Rate The two-wheeler loan interest rate significantly affects the overall cost of borrowing. A lower interest rate result in considerable savings over the loan term, while a higher rate may increase your financial burden. Interest rates vary based on factors like credit score, income, and loan tenure. It is important to compare rates from different lenders and choose one that offers affordable repayment terms along with competitive service standards. 3. Loan Tenure Loan tenure refers to the period over which you agree to repay the loan. Typically, two-wheeler loans come with flexible tenures ranging from 12 to 60 months. A longer tenure reduces the EMI but increases the total interest payable over the loan duration. On the other hand, a shorter tenure means higher EMIs but lower overall interest cost. It is wise to choose a tenure that balances your monthly affordability with overall cost efficiency. 4. Processing Fees and Other Charges Lenders may apply various charges, including processing fees, documentation charges, and prepayment or foreclosure charges. These charges can increase the overall cost of the loan. It is important to review the complete fee structure before finalising your loan. Some banks may also offer limited-time waivers on processing fees or discounted charges as part of promotional offers. Understanding the total cost of borrowing may help you choose a cost-effective loan option. 5. Down Payment Most lenders do not finance the complete vehicle cost. The remaining amount should be paid upfront by the borrower as a down payment. Making a higher down payment reduces your loan burden and leads to lower EMIs. Additionally, a larger initial payment can sometimes help secure a suitable two-wheeler loan interest rate, especially if it reduces the risk for the lender. Assess your available funds and aim to contribute a reasonable amount upfront. 6. Credit Score Your credit score is an important factor in loan approval and interest rate determination. A high credit score reflects better financial discipline and increases the likelihood of loan approval with favourable terms. Lenders view applicants with a strong credit profile as lower risk and may offer them lower interest rates. Before applying, it is important to check your credit report and correct any errors. Improving your score through timely bill payments and reducing outstanding debts may help secure appropriate loan conditions. 7. Repayment Capacity Your repayment capacity is based on your monthly income, existing expenses, and other financial obligations. It is crucial to ensure that the EMI amount does not adversely affect your monthly budget. Using online EMI calculators can help you get an estimate of monthly outflows based on the loan amount, tenure, and interest rate. Additionally, choosing an EMI that fits your financial situation may help you avoid defaults and maintain a healthy financial profile. Conclusion A two-wheeler loan is a helpful financial solution for purchasing a bike or scooter without using up your savings. By considering important factors like loan amount, tenure, interest rate, and repayment capacity, you can select a loan that meets your financial goals. Understanding the full cost of the loan, including fees and interest, ensures better planning and financial discipline. A strong credit score and proper evaluation of your budget can also lead to suitable loan terms. With a clear understanding of the process and terms, you can finance your two-wheeler with confidence and ease. Disclaimer: This article is sponsored content curated by HT Syndication. The inputs and details accounted for in the article do not necessarily reflect those of HT, and HT does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the information provided. Want to get your story featured as above? click here! First Published Date: 10 Jul 2025, 15:22 pm IST
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Why slowing, uneven growth in housing sector indicates subdued demand
India's housing sector may be booming on the surface, but it's increasingly becoming a market for the few. Even as home sales hit a 12-year high of 3.5 lakh units in 2024, much of the growth came from the premium segment, and was indicative of a deep divide in the sector: while developers target affluent buyers, homeownership is increasingly out of reach for a large section of the population. But even as sales in India's top-seven cities fell 24 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2025 and new launches dropped 13 per cent, developers continued with their premium push, according to real estate services firm Anarock. In April-June, the share of new launches priced above Rs 1.5 crore increased to 46 per cent from 43 per cent in the previous quarter, while the share of affordable homes — those priced below Rs 40 lakh — remained steady at 12 per cent. While affordable metrics have improved in 2025 owing to the 100 basis points (bps) of repo rate cuts by the RBI since February, the gain has been offset by rising property prices, especially in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. K-shaped growth The tilt in housing supply toward the upper end is evident in the segment-wise composition of new launches. As per Anarock, in April-June, the mid (Rs 40 lakh-80 lakh) and premium segments (Rs 80 lakh-1.5 crore) together made up 42 per cent of new supply, down from 45 per cent in January-March, as the share of homes priced above Rs 1.5 crore rose, indicating a bias toward higher-value projects. This is not to say that there are no buyers for affordable homes. According to real estate consultancy Knight Frank India, homes priced below Rs 1 crore accounted for 54 per cent of total sales in January-March, with almost a quarter of total sales coming from homes priced below Rs 50 lakh. However, this was down from 60 per cent in Q1 of 2024. As a result of the shift in supply, 52 per cent of housing inventory at the end of March were either high-end (Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore) or luxury and ultra luxury (above Rs 1.5 crore), while homes prices below Rs 40 lakh made up just a fifth of total stock, according to Anarock. It is no surprise then that the mood among buyers is not upbeat, with property selling platform Magicbricks' Housing Sentiment Index (HSI) falling to 138 in April from 155 in September 2024. 'The Rs 3.5 crore-5 crore and Rs 2.5 crore-3.5 crore segments recorded the highest HSI, driven by buyers with Rs 1 cr+ annual income,' Magicbricks said. Affordability question Except Delhi NCR, buying a home has seemingly become easier so far in 2025 in seven of the eight major cities in the country, as per the Knight Frank's Affordability Index. For instance, the index for Mumbai improved to 48 per cent in the first half of 2025 from 67 per cent in 2019 and 50 per cent in 2024, implying that a homeowner now needs to spend 48 per cent of their income to finance the Equated Monthly Instalment. But even at 48 per cent, the affordability index for Mumbai is only a shade under Knight Frank's threshold of 50 per cent it considers as unaffordable. Other cities such as Kolkata and Chennai saw a marginal 1-percentage-point improvement in affordability to 23 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively, while the index for Ahmedabad improved to 18 per cent from 20 per cent. However, prices are rising faster in these smaller centres. Data from the RBI's All-India House Price Index shows that housing prices increased 3.1 per cent year-on-year in January-March at the national level. Cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, however, saw prices rise at a faster clip of 8.8 per cent, 7.2 per cent, and 3.8 per cent, respectively. Weakening demand The situation has become sufficiently worrisome for policymakers to address it, with home loan growth, often a bellwether of the economy, having slowed down. Excluding the impact of the merger of HDFC Bank with Housing Development Finance Corporation, latest RBI data shows home loans rose 13.8 per cent year-on-year as of May 30, slower than the 19.9 per cent growth recorded a year earlier. Loans to housing finance companies, meanwhile, were down 6.8 per cent over the same period, compared to a 3.8 per cent growth recorded at the end of May 2024. 'Urban demand and demand for housing, vehicles, and other goods that are sensitive to interest rates are not at a level we would like them to be. Due to this, private capex is not showing robust signs of revival,' Ram Singh, one of the external members on the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee, told The Indian Express on June 25. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Post Office Savings Schemes: What is the latest PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, NSC, SCSS interest rate? Government notifies rates for July-Sept 2025
Small Savings Scheme interest rate (AI image) Post Office Small Savings Schemes Interest Rate July-September 2025: The interest rates for small savings schemes will remain unchanged for the June to September 2025 quarter, according to the government's latest notification. "The rates of interest on various Small Savings Schemes for the second quarter of FY 2025-26 starting from 1st July, 2025 and ending on 30th September, 2025 shall remain unchanged from those notified for the first quarter (1st April, 2025 to 30th June, 2025) of FY 2025-26," the Ministry of Finance notification reads. Interest rates for small savings schemes, primarily managed by post offices and banks, remain static for the sixth straight quarter. The most recent modifications to select schemes were implemented during the fourth quarter of 2023-24. The quarterly announcement of interest rates for small savings schemes continues to be a regular government practice. Latest Post Office Savings Scheme Interest Rates: July-September 2025 Instrument Rate of interest from July to September 2025 (%) Post Office Savings Deposit 4 1-Year Time Deposit 6.9 2-Year Time Deposit 7 3-Year Time Deposit 7.1 5-Year Time Deposit 7.5 5-Year Recurring Deposit 6.7 Senior Citizen Savings Scheme 8.2 Monthly Income Account Scheme 7.4 National Savings Certificate 7.7 Public Provident Fund Scheme 7.1 Kisan Vikas Patra 7.5 (Will mature in 115 months) Sukanya Samriddhi Account 8.2 The Public Provident Fund (PPF) retains its 7.1% interest rate, and the National Savings Certificate remains at 7.7%. The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) continue to provide 8.2%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo These small savings investment options are generally known as post office schemes. The Department of Economic Affairs under the Finance Ministry issued this information via a circular on June 30, 2025. Why are bond yields important for deciding small savings schemes rate? The reduction in repo rates by 1% has led to a decline in bond yields. RBI's policy rates share a direct relationship. When there are expectations in the market about the RBI lowering the repo rate, bond yields typically follow suit with a downward movement. The Post Office Savings Scheme interest rates are decided by following the Shyamala Gopinath Committee guidelines. The recommendations state that interest rates for small savings instruments should be linked to secondary market yields on Central Government Securities of similar maturities, with an additional spread of 25 basis points. For a 5-year time deposit, the interest rate calculation should reflect the secondary market yield of 5-year G-secs, plus the 25 basis points margin. Although the established methodology suggests that declining repo rates and bond yields should lead to corresponding reductions in small savings scheme rates to align with market conditions, the government's final decisions do not always strictly adhere to these mathematical calculations. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hans India
26-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Ekal Abhiyan Strengthens Vision for Holistic Rural Development at Aija Training Camp
Gadwal: A 'Monthly Ekal Abhiyan Training Camp' was organized today at the Brahmangari Temple in Aija. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Ekal Abhiyan volunteers and leaders, with a shared goal of empowering rural India through education, health, and sustainable livelihoods. Bhagat Reddy, the Sanch President, attended the program as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted that Ekal Abhiyan schools are playing a pivotal role in bringing transformation to rural India by providing literacy, healthcare awareness, and economic well-being, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He emphasized that education remains at the core of the movement, but the mission has now expanded towards holistic village development. This includes digital literacy, women empowerment, basic health services, sustainable agriculture, job creation, and skill development initiatives. These efforts are aligned with the broader goal of building self-reliant and progressive rural communities. Bhagat Reddy informed the attendees that the Ekal movement currently operates with an active and trustworthy international network of over 400,000 volunteers, and is working diligently to achieve the ambitious target of developing 36,000 integrated villages by the year 2030. Adding to the spirit of the program, motivational speaker Medikonda Venkatesh delivered an inspiring talk on the topic 'Moral Values as the Duty of Every Individual.' His message centered on personal ethics and the importance of righteous living for societal progress. The event was also graced by Ekal Abhiyan's Anchal Mahadevam, Sanch Promukh Ranganath, Sanch Sadak Someshwaramma, along with local volunteers, women leaders, and teachers, all of whom actively participated in the discussions and sessions. The training camp concluded on a positive and energetic note, with renewed commitment among participants to continue striving for rural upliftment and nation-building through the Ekal model of development.
