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India can rub shoulders with top nations in spacetech, says Skyroot COO

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Spacetech is one domain where India can rub shoulders with the top nations in the world, according to Skyroot Aerospace Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Naga Bharath Daka.

During a fireside chat at YourStory’s DevSparks Hyderabad 2024, an event focused on the developer ecosystem, Daka highlighted that this achievement is possible thanks to the government’s supportive policies and an existing industrial ecosystem tailored for high-tech endeavours.

According to the Skyroot COO, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has fostered a robust vendor ecosystem, including private players manufacturing aerospace-grade components in India.

“India is uniquely positioned to leverage this ecosystem and get more private endeavours,” he emphasised.

He noted that private spacetech companies in India don’t need to invest heavily in building factories for rocket manufacturing, thanks to the well-developed ecosystem.

In November 2022, Skyroot made history as the first South Asian company to reach space with the launch of its Vikram S rocket, named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of the Indian space programme.

Daka pointed out that the government permits private entities like Skyroot to utilise public infrastructure established by ISRO, significantly reducing development costs. For instance, during the Vikram S launch, the rocket was Skyroot’s, but the launch pad and tracking facilities were provided by ISRO.

The ability to demonstrate a product without needing all the necessary funding has enabled many people to venture into spacetech, he added.

Highly supply-constrained market

While both government agencies like ISRO and private players such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX offer space launch services, Daka views space launch as a “highly supply-constrained market.”

“If a satellite has to be sent to orbit, the company sending it needs to book the ride to orbit a year in advance, despite companies like SpaceX launching very frequently,” he added.

Hyderabad-based Skyroot is developing Vikram-1, an orbital launch vehicle designed to deploy satellites into Earth’s orbit. The company aims to launch Vikram-1 by the end of this year. Once operational, it will meet satellite operators’ launch needs.

skyroot

Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder and COO, Skyroot Aerospace; Payal Ganguly, Managing Editor, YourStory.

According to the Skyroot COO, India’s cost advantage, demonstrated by its affordable missions to Mars and the Moon, naturally extends to the private sector. 

Daka predicts that over the next decade, around 80% of global satellites will be small satellites weighing 500 kg or less.

“We started Skyroot with the objective to provide small launch vehicles, which can carry small satellites to orbit to provide an on-demand and affordable solution to go to space,” he noted.

Skyroot is beginning with cost-effective, expendable launch vehicles like Vikram-1, designed for small satellite launches. However, the company aims to develop reusable launch vehicles, as this technology could significantly reduce launch costs.

Future of spacetech

Currently, high access costs limit space applications, but as these costs decrease, new possibilities will emerge, such as space manufacturing and data storage, as part of Space 4.0, according to Daka.

Moreover, initiatives like the recently announced Rs 1,000-crore venture capital (VC) fund will boost India’s growing space economy.

“This push from the government, with its own fund and independent evaluation of startups, will encourage more people to venture into space. It will provide the seed capital needed to develop their MVP and raise further funds in the future,” Daka remarked.

According to him, five years ago, the VC ecosystem lacked interest in funding deeptech and spacetech companies due to policy gaps. However, this has changed, and many VCs now have developed theses for deeptech and spacetech investments.

Spacetech can be divided into upstream and downstream sectors. Upstream includes launch vehicles and space infrastructure like satellites. Downstream encompasses services derived from space, such as imaging and communication (e.g., SpaceX’s Starlink broadband). 

Daka emphasised that communication is the next big frontier, noting that in this decade, long-duration flights will offer broadband internet, thanks to emerging broadband satellites like Starlink. 

He also suggested that entrepreneurs entering the space ecosystem should consider downstream areas such as geospatial analytics, which require less capital investment.

Recently, GalaxEye, a downstream player, which develops multi-sensor imaging satellites with optical and radar technologies for continuous, all-weather Earth observation, raised $6.5 million in Series A funding.





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Ola Electric’s Q2 loss narrows as revenue jumps 40%

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Ola Electric‘s net loss narrowed in the second quarter of the current financial year (FY25) as the Bhavish Aggarwal-led EV maker reported a 39% jump in sales.

Ola Electric reported a net loss of Rs 495 crore for the July-September quarter, down from Rs 524 crore in the year-ago period. The company’s revenue from operations jumped to Rs 1,214 crore in Q2 from Rs 873 crore a year earlier.

However, on a quarterly basis, Ola Electric’s loss widened from Rs 324 crore in the April-June quarter. The company’s sales declined from Rs 1,644 crore in the previous quarter.

The results come days after the EV-maker’s share price fell below its listing price, two months after the company listed on Indian stock exchanges. On Friday, Ola Electric’s share price closed at Rs 72.67 apiece, down 2.53%. Ola Electric got listed on India’s stock exchanges on August 9 at Rs 76 per share. The company had hit an all-time high of Rs 157.40 apiece.

Ola Electric, currently the market leader in the E2W segment, has also come under intense scrutiny over rising consumer complaints pertaining to its vehicles. In October, the company received a show cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeking alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertising, and unfair trade practices.

The company, in a BSE filing on October 22, said it has provided all requested information and clarification sought by the consumer watchdog. Additionally, Ola Electric said it resolved 99.1% out of 10,644 complaints it received from the CCPA.

The SoftBank Group-backed firm has since doubled down on expanding its service centers and hiring service technicians to help streamline operations and clear backlogs.





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Workplace boundaries: 5 things not to share with coworkers

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In today’s workplace, building relationships and open communication are highly encouraged. A collaborative environment can foster trust, creativity, and productivity among colleagues. However, there is a fine line between being friendly and sharing too much. Revealing certain personal information to your coworkers can blur professional boundaries and even affect your career negatively. In a world where first impressions and professionalism matter, knowing what to keep private is crucial to maintaining respect and credibility.

This guide highlights five essential things you should never share with colleagues. From sensitive financial details to personal beliefs, these are boundaries that every professional should respect for the sake of both personal privacy and workplace harmony.


1. Financial information

Discussing your financial situation at work—whether it’s your salary, debts, or even that new loan you’ve taken out—can lead to misunderstandings, envy, or resentment. Salary disparities, in particular, are a sensitive topic and can create friction in the workplace if colleagues perceive unfairness. Moreover, sharing details about your finances could unintentionally set you up for gossip or judgment from others, which could alter their view of your professionalism. If you’re asked directly, a polite but firm response, such as “I prefer not to discuss personal finances,” can help maintain boundaries.


2. Political and religious beliefs

In an era of heightened political polarisation and strong opinions on various social issues, discussing your political or religious beliefs at work can be risky. Even casual remarks can lead to disagreements and, in worst cases, workplace conflicts. This doesn’t mean you should hide your identity, but it’s wise to avoid diving into discussions that might alienate or offend others. Maintaining a neutral stance on sensitive topics can help create a respectful, inclusive work environment.


3. Personal health issues

Your health is deeply personal, and sharing too much about any physical or mental health challenges can lead to unintended consequences. While close friends may share personal health information, colleagues don’t need to know the specifics of your medical history. Revealing health information might result in unwanted sympathy, awkwardness, or even doubt about your ability to perform your job effectively.


4. Negative opinions about colleagues or management

It might feel cathartic to vent about a difficult coworker or a strict manager, but sharing these thoughts with other colleagues can easily backfire. Not only can it damage your reputation, but it could also harm your professional relationships if your words get back to the person in question. Criticising team members or managers can make you seem untrustworthy or negative, both of which can hinder your career progression. Maintaining a neutral or positive stance will reflect professionalism and emotional maturity.


5. Ambitions for a new job or career move

Sharing your plans to apply for a new job or change careers might seem harmless, but it could shift how your colleagues or managers view your commitment. If your supervisor learns that you’re planning to leave, it could lead to fewer opportunities or even less favourable treatment as they prepare for your departure. To protect your current position, focus on your work, and wait to share the news until you’re ready to make a formal exit.


Conclusion

In a professional setting, boundaries are essential for a healthy work environment. While sharing parts of your personal life can help build connections, knowing where to draw the line is equally important. By keeping your financial matters, health concerns, personal beliefs, and career ambitions private, you’ll be better able to maintain a positive reputation, foster respectful relationships, and ultimately advance your career without unnecessary complications.

Remember, in the workplace, less can often be more. Protect your privacy, and you’ll find it easier to focus on what truly matters—your professional growth and contributions.





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Taming the restless ‘Monkey Mind’: 6 signs and calming tips

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Do you ever feel as if your thoughts are racing, jumping from one idea to the next without pause? This restless state of mind, commonly known as the “monkey mind,” can leave you feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to focus. Imagine a monkey swinging from branch to branch—never still, always moving. The monkey mind does something similar, dragging your attention in multiple directions at once. In a world filled with constant notifications, endless tasks, and overstimulation, it’s no wonder our minds are often buzzing with a mix of unfinished thoughts, worries, and ideas.

Recognising and managing a monkey mind can be a game-changer for mental clarity, productivity, and peace. In this article, we’ll dive into six telltale signs of a monkey mind and explore proven strategies to calm it down and regain focus.

6 Telltale signs of a monkey mind


1. Constant overthinking

A classic sign of a monkey mind is constant overthinking. You may find yourself analysing every detail, reliving past conversations, or stressing over hypothetical situations that may never happen. This mental loop can keep you from moving forward or making decisions, trapping you in a cycle of what-ifs.

Try to channel overthinking into action by setting a time limit for worrying or planning, and then move on. Journaling can also help you process your thoughts and release them from your mind. Practicing mindfulness by focusing on what you’re doing right now can redirect your attention away from endless what-ifs.


2. Difficulty focusing on a task

If you find yourself switching tasks frequently, unable to concentrate on one thing for long, it’s a clear sign your mind may be restless. The monkey mind is easily distracted, often drawn to anything that promises novelty or instant gratification.

Implementing techniques like the Pomodoro Method—where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can improve focus. Create a designated workspace, eliminate distractions, and try using noise-cancelling headphones or listening to concentration-friendly music to help you stay on task.


3. Procrastination and avoidance

A monkey mind often leads to procrastination, especially when faced with big or daunting tasks. The mind can become overwhelmed by the task’s complexity, prompting you to avoid it entirely and instead focus on smaller, less important activities.

Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming. Set a specific goal for each work session, even if it’s just to complete a small portion. Reward yourself for each accomplishment, no matter how small, to keep your momentum going.


4. Heightened anxiety or stress

With the mind constantly jumping from one thought to another, stress and anxiety levels can increase. A monkey mind often dwells on worst-case scenarios and hypothetical fears, causing a continuous cycle of worry and tension.

Incorporate regular deep-breathing exercises or meditation into your day. Slow, mindful breathing can help activate the body’s relaxation response, lowering stress levels and bringing a sense of calm. For some, a quick physical reset—such as stretching or walking—can break the anxiety loop and help you feel grounded.


5. Trouble sleeping

If your mind feels like it’s in overdrive at night, it could be because of a monkey mind. Endless thoughts and worries can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day.

Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal your mind and body that it’s time to wind down. Avoid screens at least an hour before bed, and consider listening to a guided meditation or calming sounds to lull your mind into relaxation mode. Journaling before bed can also help you clear your mind by putting your thoughts on paper.


6. Feeling constantly distracted

A monkey’s mind craves stimulation and often finds it challenging to stay present. You may find yourself constantly checking your phone, seeking out new content, or even daydreaming when you should be focused on a task at hand.

Practice “mindful breaks” during your day—short intervals where you put down your devices, observe your surroundings and ground yourself in the present. Limiting the number of things you try to multitask can help, too. Start by giving your full attention to one task, and slowly build your focus endurance from there.


Conclusion

Our minds are naturally curious, and having occasional restless thoughts is normal. However, when the monkey mind takes over, it can disrupt our peace, productivity, and well-being. Recognising the signs of a monkey mind and incorporating calming strategies—like mindfulness, structured work sessions, and relaxation techniques—can help you regain control over your mental landscape. The next time you find your mind swinging wildly, try one of these calming techniques to bring yourself back to a state of balance and clarity.

By making mindfulness a habit and addressing the monkey mind head-on, you’ll be able to cultivate a deeper sense of peace, focus, and contentment in your daily life.





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