Latest news with #Excel
The Herald
9 hours ago
- Climate
- The Herald
The berg wind brain-teaser
On a recent early morning broadcast, Daron Mann highlighted that he was always confused with the dynamics and principles of berg winds. He could never understand the concept that hot air rises but descending air heats up. Needless to say, a few minutes was not enough to explain the concept to him. If his teacher could not help him understand this concept, he barked up the wrong tree by asking me to explain it. Imparting knowledge to others must be one of my weakest traits. This is possibly because throughout my career I have had to learn most things for myself. This is from the days that they shipped the first real computers to the Weather Office, through to correspondence courses at Technikon RSA and the like. I understand concepts but often battle to explain them in a way that others understand. Mrs Guru has realised this after leaving the cooking industry and joining me in the weather industry. It's not easy to explain Excel to somebody that insists that a printed copy is still King. I am sitting with a dilemma of teaching an old dog new tricks. I must say, she has excelled quickly in Excel (couldn't resist the pun) and is well past beginner's level in a very short time. Back to Daron's dilemma and going back to basics, the biggest driver of weather is temperature, and more specifically the sun's uneven heating of the earth's surface. Thus, his question is important in obtaining a better understanding of weather. This is why climate change experts are most concerned about global warming as it effects all aspects of weather. This can be seen by the effects of El Nino on weather in different parts of the globe. Yes, it is true that hot air rises, but the statement should rather read that air that is less dense than its surroundings will rise. This can be seen in a body of water where air bubbles rise to the surface no matter what the temperature of the air or water is. This is because air is less dense than water. We might then ask why hot air is less dense and the simple answer is — because its molecules move faster and spread out, occupying more space. The opposite is true with cold air. Essentially then, because of its density in comparison to its surroundings, a hot air parcel will rise to the top of a cooler air environment. Now how does air heat when it descends? Basically, air within an area of high-pressure generally descends. This downward motion is associated with convergence in the upper atmosphere. In other words, the coming together of air at a height of about 5 to 10km above mean sea level. This action forces the air below it downwards, thus causing it to warm. Naturally, this limits the amount and depth of clouds, thus high-pressure systems are mostly associated with fair weather. Ridging highs are another subject entirely on their own and we would not want to confuse Daron too much on this one. Then why does it get colder the higher one goes up in the atmosphere? The simplest answer is that you are further away from the heater, which is the surface of the earth. Also, the higher one goes, the thinner the air and the lower the pressure. Essentially this means that the air molecules have less energy and the overall temperature drops. Thinner air is the reason why additional oxygen is essential when climbing Mount Everest. I know that many will argue using the plight and flight of Icarus in Greek mythology. He was the son of Daedalus, who crafted the wings for both as a means of escape from imprisonment. As the story goes, the wax holding the wings together melted when he flew too close to the sun. This is a lesson of the dangers of over self-confidence and overreaching one's limits, using an analogy, rather than a solid scientific fact. This week in history: 1981: Flood in Plettenberg Bay, just months after severe floods in Nelson Mandela Bay Dam levels 69.79%, slightly down from previous week's 70.24%. Impofu down to 52.30% Weather safety tips: If you have no water to douse a fire, use sand to smother it and deprive it of oxygen. Now on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: WEATHER GURU Email: info@ with feedback or requests The Herald
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Don't merely enrol students, but equip them with skills
As the admission season for colleges and universities begins, institutions across India are once again promoting their programmes under banners promising knowledge, transformation, and research excellence. This growth in enrolment at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels suggests a dynamic academic landscape full of potential. Yet, beneath this expansion lies an important challenge: degrees are proliferating faster than meaningful job opportunities. A gap that needs attention According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics, the unemployment rate in India tends to increase with higher education levels. This paradox reveals a critical gap between academic achievement and employability — a gap that requires urgent attention. This challenge is particularly acute in India's vast network of non-elite institutions in Tier 2 and tier 3 colleges, where most students pursue BA, BCom, or BSc degrees and their corresponding master's programmes. These institutions often face resource constraints and limited industry connections, operating with curricula that have not kept pace with the evolving job market. While elite colleges make headlines for placement challenges, the gradual erosion of employability in everyday colleges often goes unnoticed. In many such institutions, instruction remains largely theoretical, with limited emphasis on real-world skills. For example, an English literature student might study Shakespearean tragedy yet miss out on learning practical skills such as writing professional emails. Similarly, an economics graduate may understand complex theories but struggle with everyday tools such as Excel. This disconnect means millions of educated young people find it difficult to translate their degrees into career opportunities. This situation stems partly from a deeply entrenched academic culture that values scholarship and abstraction over practical application. Within many academic circles — even prestigious ones — higher education is often celebrated as an end in itself, while immediate employment is sometimes subtly undervalued. Postgraduate degrees and PhDs are frequently pursued not just for intellectual fulfilment but as a refuge from the job market, creating a cycle where many graduates end up teaching in the very colleges that perpetuate the same system. It is important to recognise that successive governments have acknowledged this issue. Initiatives such as Skill India, Start-Up India, and the National Education Policy have pushed for skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. However, the transformation remains incomplete. Many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes continue to emphasise rote learning over practical skills. While new courses in AI or entrepreneurship are being introduced, they often lack depth, and integration into the broader curriculum. A broader societal challenge Countries such as China and Japan have successfully aligned education with economic strategies by elevating technical and vocational education to a central role in workforce development. In India, vocational training is still often perceived as a fallback option, both within academia and society. This stigma limits the appeal and effectiveness of skill-based education, despite its vital role in economic empowerment. This contradiction highlights a broader societal challenge: degrees are highly valued as symbols of upward mobility, but they increasingly fail to guarantee it. This is not a call to abandon liberal education or abstract learning — they remain essential for critical thinking and creativity. However, education must also provide tangible economic benefits. Degrees should offer pathways to agency and dignity, especially for students from smaller towns and under-resourced institutions. A way forward lies in integrating practical skill modules — communication, digital literacy, budgeting, data analysis, hospitality, tailoring, and health services — into general degree programmes as core elements, not optional extras. Doctoral education should be diversified to prepare candidates for policy, analytics, consulting, development, and industry roles, not solely academia. Research remains vital, but it must be pursued by those inclined towards it. Finally, the widespread aspiration for government jobs reflects the limited opportunities graduates currently perceive. While these roles remain important, expanding private sector and entrepreneurial pathways through improved employability will offer youth a broader range of options. Enhancing skills and opportunities can reduce the over-dependence on competitive exams. India's growing economy demands an education system that not just enrols students, but equips students with skills. Viewing education as a social contract that guarantees a meaningful connection between learning and livelihood is essential. Gourishankar S. Hiremath teaches Economics at IIT Kharagpur. Views are personal
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ola Electric shares freefall; Nykaa Q4 profit doubles
Ola Electric shares freefall; Nykaa Q4 profit doubles Also in the letter: Ola Electric shares plummet 10% after Q4 losses double to Rs 870 crore; revenue slips 62% Financials: Operating revenue: Fell 61.8% year-on-year to Rs 611 crore, down from Rs 1,598 crore in the same quarter last year. Fell 61.8% year-on-year to Rs 611 crore, down from Rs 1,598 crore in the same quarter last year. Net loss: More than doubled to Rs 870 crore, compared to Rs 416 crore in Q4 of the previous fiscal. CEO speak: Market snap: It now trades well below its initial public offering (IPO) price of Rs 76, having lost over 40% of its value since its listing. The slide follows growing concerns over inflated sales claims, quality issues, and missing trade certificates across various retail outlets. Adding to the pressure, ET reported that Ola Electric has slipped to the third place in India's electric-two wheeler market in May, overtaken by legacy companies TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto. Rival watch: In Q4, Ather's revenue rose 29% to Rs 676.1 crore. Its losses narrowed 17% to Rs 234.4 crore amid rising volumes and improved margins. Nykaa Q4 profit doubles to Rs 19 crore; revenue up 24% Financials: Operating revenue (Q4): Rs 2,061.7 crore, up 27% from Rs 1,668 crore a year earlier. Rs 2,061.7 crore, up 27% from Rs 1,668 crore a year earlier. Net profit (Q4): Rs 19 crore, versus Rs 9 crore last year. Rs 19 crore, versus Rs 9 crore last year. Expenses (Q4): Rs 2,031 crore Rs 2,031 crore Revenue (FY25): Rs 7,950 crore, up 24% from FY24. Rs 7,950 crore, up 24% from FY24. Net profit (FY25): Rs 32 crore, up 105% Tell me more: Other highlights: GMV for Nykaa's core beauty vertical touched Rs 11,775 crore, growing 30% YoY. Sales from House of Nykaa nearly doubled over the past two years. Nykaa Fashion rebounded, with GMV up 18% YoY and revenue rising 19%. It launched a record number of global brands on its platforms, including Yves Saint Laurent and Armani Beauty. CEO's take: Sponsor ETtech Top 5 & Morning Dispatch! Why it matters: The opportunity: Reach a highly engaged audience of decision-makers. Boost your brand's visibility among the tech-savvy community. Custom sponsorship options to align with your brand's goals. What's next: Full Stack by Samidha Sharma: Founders are going direct — but startup rivalry is nothing new What happened: Zepto cofounder Aadit Palicha went public this week with serious allegations, accusing the CFO of a rival consumer internet firm of trying to sabotage Zepto's funding round. In a detailed LinkedIn post, Palicha claimed the rival executive triggered investor calls, shared doctored Excel sheets, and fuelled a bot-driven social media backlash to undermine the company. Why it matters: The big picture: Rivalries between startups during fundraises are not new. What's changed is how they're playing out — not in whispers, but on public platforms. Tactics such as investor smear campaigns and selective data leaks have long been employed. The difference now? Samidha's take: Zerodha Capital's FY25 net profit rises 78%, focus on scaling up credit play More details: Financials: Zerodha Capital has a net worth of Rs 175 crore, with an average ticket size of Rs 6 lakh. The company has raised approximately Rs 250 crore from banks and other non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.4. Also Read: India may float paper on crypto assets norms in June Framing rules: Mandate so far: In FY23, the government imposed a 30% tax on gains from virtual digital assets. It later required crypto exchanges to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit. The RBI has repeatedly urged caution over the potential misuse of cryptocurrencies. Ola Electric shares plummeted on the bourses on Friday after reporting widened losses in the March quarter. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.■ Full Stack by Samidha Sharma■ Zerodha Capital's FY25 report■ India's crypto planBhavish Aggarwal, CEO, Ola ElectricShares of Ola Electric tumbled 9.7% to an intraday low of Rs 48.07 on the BSE on Friday, after the company reported its weak Q4 results for FY25 — its worst quarterly performance since it began delivering electric scooters in the earnings call, Ola Electric founder Bhavish Aggarwal called the March quarter a period of 'important learning and introspection.' He said the company is now more cautious in how it allocates capital for new products, with a renewed focus on strengthening internal processes, particularly in customer service, regulatory compliance, and risk the stock recovered slightly by market close, ending Friday at Rs 50.97, it was still down 4.26% for the Ola, its listed rival Ather Energy saw an improvement over its financials this Nayar, CEO, NykaaFSN Ecommerce Ventures, the parent company of beauty etailer Nykaa, posted a sharp rise in profit for the March quarter, driven by stronger sales and improving company's gross merchandise value (GMV) rose 27% year-on-year (YoY) in the March quarter. Profitability continued to improve, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) margin expanding to 6.5%.'On a net revenue basis, the beauty business has grown at 25% YoY. This reflects a strong performance across all of the beauty verticals, which include ecommerce, physical retail, our house of brands, as well as E-B2B business, which provides further distribution to retailers,' CEO Falguni Nayar said in a post-earnings call on Top 5 and Morning Dispatch are must-reads for India's tech and business leaders, including startup founders, investors, policy makers, industry insiders and Reach out to us at spotlightpartner@ to explore sponsorship post shows how narrative control is becoming part of the modern founder's playbook, especially in high-stakes sectors like quick are naming names in real time, shaping the narrative before the stories are even battle for capital among high-growth startups is as personal as it is financial. Palicha's move wasn't just a callout — it was a strategic attempt to control the narrative before it turned on him. However, Indian founders would do better to focus on building durable businesses, rather than engaging in personal communication Capital, the non-banking finance arm of stockbroking firm Zerodha, reported a net profit of Rs 12.5 crore and revenue of Rs 36 crore for the financial year ended March more than doubled from Rs 17 crore in FY2024, while net profit rose 78% from Rs 7.2 crore. The company primarily offers credit products such as loans against securities, with stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds accepted as collateral.'We have a bouquet of around 1,300 securities, and we offer loans to investors who have those securities,' said Abhilash SR, head, Zerodha government may release a discussion paper in June outlining policy framework options for crypto assets, amid growing mainstream acceptance of virtual paper will draw on the synthesis document prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB), sources told us, adding that it is currently under assets have gained popularity in part due to US President Donald Trump's strong support for digital position on cryptocurrencies remains ambiguous.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Business
- Economic Times
ITR filing 2025: Excel utilities for ITR 1 and 4 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) released by Income Tax dept; Check who can file
— IncomeTaxIndia (@IncomeTaxIndia) Choose right income tax return form for ITR filing FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) Live Events Who is eligible to file ITR 1 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)? Who cannot use ITR 1 to file income tax return for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)? Who is eligible to file ITR 4 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)? How to file ITR Excel utilities forms Steps to download ITR-1 and ITR-4 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) The Income Tax Department has released the Excel utility versions of Income Tax Return (ITR) Forms 1 and 4 for the Assessment Year 2025–26. These tools are now available for download on the official income tax e-filing portal , allowing eligible taxpayers to start preparation for filing of income tax returns for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).The Income Tax Department has announced the release of excel utilities via a post on X (formerly Twitter). 'Attention taxpayers! The Excel Utility for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for AY 2025-26 has been enabled and is now available for taxpayers,' the Income Tax Department said on Singla, Partner at SBHS & Associates, says, 'It's a big relief to see that the Excel Utilities for ITR-1 and ITR-4 for Assessment Year 2025–26 have been released by the Income Tax Department. I have already filed ITR-4 using Excel Utility, and I am happy to share that the process was smooth - there are no major changes in the ITR-4 schema compared to last year, which makes it even easier for regular filers and tax professionals. However, a very important change has been made in the schema for ITR-1. A new validation rule has been introduced in the utility itself: if certain TDS section codes appear in Schedule TDS2 or TDS3—such as 194B, 194BB, 194S, 194LA, 195, 196A, 194Q, 194R and others—the income tax return will now be considered invalid for filing under ITR-1. This means taxpayers having income under special rates or from sources like online games, lotteries, crypto, property transfers, must use ITR-2 or other appropriate is a very welcome and practical change. In past years, many taxpayers unknowingly filed ITR-1 with such incomes, only to face defective return notices from CPC. By building this validation directly into the utility, the Department has helped prevent incorrect filings at source, saving both time and confusion.'Also read: When will salaried employees get Form 16 to file income tax return for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26)? Taxpayers are advised to carefully check the eligibility criteria before selecting and filing their income tax return FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). Choosing the incorrect form may lead to complications or rejection of the ITR by the Income Tax Department. Tax experts recommend thorough reading of the instructions to avoid errors in ITR the financial year 2024–25 (assessment year 2025–26), resident individuals (excluding those classified as not ordinarily resident) with a total income of up to Rs 50 lakh — including income from salary, one house property, other sources such as interest, long-term capital gains under Section 112A up to Rs 1.25 lakh, and agricultural income not exceeding Rs 5,000 — are eligible to file cannot be used taxpayers who are either Director in a company or have invested in unlisted equity shares or in cases where TDS has been deducted u/s 194N or if income-tax is deferred on ESOP or has assets (including financial interest in any entity) located outside individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and Firms (other than LLP) being a resident having total income up to Rs 50 lakh and having income from business and profession which is computed under sections 44AD, 44ADA or 44AE, and having long-term capital gains under section 112A up to Rs 1.25 lakh for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).These ITR forms are editable forms that can be downloaded from the income tax website. Individuals can download these forms, fill them up and upload them back onto the e-filing income tax website. These forms are available in Excel and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) Excel utility forms for ITR 1 and 4 are editable tools that can be downloaded, filled offline, and uploaded on the income tax e-filing website. Here are some steps you can follow to download forms ITR-1 and ITR-4Step 1: Visit the Income Tax e-filing portalStep 2: Download the applicable ITR form (Excel version)Step 3: Fill in the details as per your income profileStep 4: Validate the form and generate the XML or JSON fileStep 5: Upload it on the portal to complete the filing processWith the release of these utilities, it's time for eligible taxpayers to begin gathering their financial documents and start filing their returns well before the due date of September 15, 2025 for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26).
Geeky Gadgets
a day ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Say Goodbye to Complex Excel Formulas : Meet the SCAN Function
What if you could solve intricate Excel problems with a single, elegant formula? Imagine replacing a web of complex, error-prone calculations with one streamlined function that handles it all. Enter the SCAN function—a fantastic option for anyone who relies on Excel for advanced analytics. With its ability to process sequential calculations and automate workflows, SCAN transforms how users approach everything from financial modeling to inventory tracking. Whether you're calculating running totals or tackling corkscrew calculations, this tool promises to simplify your work and elevate your efficiency. It's not just a function; it's a paradigm shift for Excel users. In this exploration, Excel Off The Grid uncover how SCAN works, why it's so powerful, and how it integrates seamlessly with Excel's dynamic arrays and the LAMBDA function. You'll learn how to use SCAN for tasks like cumulative totals, iterative financial models, and even combining multiple datasets for advanced analyses. But that's not all—SCAN's ability to handle dependent, step-by-step computations opens doors to possibilities you may not have considered. By the end, you'll see why this single-cell solution is more than just a feature; it's a tool that redefines what's possible in Excel. Could this be the function that transforms your workflow? Mastering Excel's SCAN Function What is the SCAN Function? The SCAN function processes each value in an array by applying a function that combines the current value with the result of the previous calculation. It requires three key arguments to function effectively: Initial Value: The starting point for the calculation, which serves as the base for subsequent operations. The starting point for the calculation, which serves as the base for subsequent operations. Array: The dataset to iterate through, providing the values to be processed sequentially. The dataset to iterate through, providing the values to be processed sequentially. Function: The operation applied at each step, defining how the current value interacts with the previous result. This structure makes SCAN particularly useful for scenarios where each calculation depends on the outcome of the previous step. Examples include cumulative totals, iterative financial models, or any task requiring step-by-step computations. Practical Applications of SCAN The SCAN function is highly versatile and can simplify a wide range of tasks. Its ability to handle sequential calculations makes it a valuable tool for various practical applications: Running Totals: SCAN calculates cumulative sums by iterating through an array and adding the current value to the previous result. This is particularly useful for tracking progressive totals in datasets. SCAN calculates cumulative sums by iterating through an array and adding the current value to the previous result. This is particularly useful for tracking progressive totals in datasets. Corkscrew Calculations: In financial modeling, SCAN can compute closing balances for one period that serve as opening balances for the next. This iterative process is essential for accurate financial projections. In financial modeling, SCAN can compute closing balances for one period that serve as opening balances for the next. This iterative process is essential for accurate financial projections. Sequential Computations: SCAN is ideal for step-by-step calculations, such as monitoring inventory levels, cash flows, or production outputs over time. By automating these processes, SCAN reduces manual effort and ensures consistency in calculations, making it a valuable addition to Excel's toolkit. SCAN Solves Advanced Excel Problems in a Single Cell Watch this video on YouTube. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Excel functions that you might find useful. Enhancing SCAN with LAMBDA The integration of the LAMBDA function significantly enhances SCAN's flexibility. LAMBDA allows users to define custom functions tailored to specific needs, allowing more complex and adaptable workflows. Within SCAN, placeholders like 'previous' (representing the prior result) and 'value' (representing the current array element) can be used to create highly customized operations. For instance, you can define a LAMBDA function to calculate weighted averages, conditional sums, or other specialized computations. This capability simplifies complex workflows, reduces formula clutter, and allows you to reuse custom functions across multiple scenarios. By combining SCAN with LAMBDA, you can unlock a new level of precision and efficiency in your Excel calculations. Combining Arrays for Advanced Analyses SCAN's ability to process multiple arrays simultaneously adds another layer of functionality. For example, you can combine inflows and outflows into a single dataset for analysis. This feature is particularly valuable in financial and operational contexts, where multiple variables interact dynamically. By structuring data into arrays, SCAN can efficiently handle intricate relationships and dependencies. This capability is especially useful for tasks such as: Analyzing cash flow patterns by combining revenue and expense data. Tracking inventory changes by integrating stock inflows and outflows. Modeling financial scenarios that involve multiple interdependent variables. This ability to manage complex datasets within a single formula streamlines workflows and enhances the accuracy of your analyses. Integrating Built-in Functions and Simplifying Formulas SCAN works seamlessly with Excel's built-in functions, such as SUM, MIN, and MAX, allowing you to enhance its functionality without additional complexity. Additionally, SCAN supports eta reduction, which enables you to reference a function name directly without defining a LAMBDA. For example, instead of creating a custom LAMBDA for summation, you can simply use SUM as the function argument in SCAN. This feature not only reduces formula complexity but also improves readability, making it easier to understand and maintain your calculations. By using built-in functions alongside SCAN, you can achieve powerful results with minimal effort. Understanding SCAN's Limitations While SCAN is a robust and versatile tool, it does have some limitations that users should be aware of. For instance, functions like COUNT may not behave as expected because SCAN only passes two values—the previous result and the current value—into the function. This can lead to unexpected outcomes if the function relies on additional parameters or broader dataset contexts. Additionally, SCAN's reliance on sequential processing means it may not be suitable for tasks requiring non-linear or independent calculations. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effectively integrating SCAN into your workflows and avoiding potential pitfalls. Corkscrew Calculations: A Key Strength One of SCAN's standout capabilities is its ability to handle corkscrew calculations. These involve iterative processes where the result of one period directly influences the next. For example, SCAN can calculate opening balances, movements, and closing balances in a single formula. This iterative capability is indispensable for tasks such as: Financial modeling, where accurate projections depend on sequential calculations. Inventory tracking, where stock levels are updated based on inflows and outflows. Operational planning, where resource allocation depends on prior usage data. By automating these processes, SCAN eliminates the need for manual adjustments and ensures consistency across calculations, making it an invaluable tool for professionals in finance, operations, and beyond. Media Credit: Excel Off The Grid Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
