Going to the moon is expensive. Each kilogram of fuel carried by a spacecraft has to be picked up from Earth, burning more fuel. That’s why aerospace engineers and orbital mechanics researchers spend so much time looking for the smallest potential for how a spacecraft travels. A reduction of a few meters per second here and there could save millions of dollars per mission. Now, an international team of researchers says they have precisely found a more efficient route between Earth and the Moon, calculated using advanced computer modelling, and it was hidden in plain sight the whole time.

How gravity powers spacecraft through interplanetary transportation networks for free

To understand why this discovery matters, it helps to understand how spacecraft actually move. Engines burn only for a short period of time. For most of the journey, spacecraft rely on the gravitational pull of the planets, moons, and Sun to take them on natural routes through the solar system. These gravity-determined routes are often referred to as interplanetary transportation networks, and they run through the solar system like invisible highways. Using them is, in fact, free propulsion.So, finding a cheaper route to the Moon has a lot to do with gravity, specifically the gravitational pull of both the Earth and the Moon. Researchers studying these paths create what are called “variates”, natural trajectories that lead a spacecraft toward a desired orbit without the need for constant engine thrust. The question is always which part of diversity to enter and from which direction.

Counter-intuitive discovery that turns traditional lunar navigation upside down

This is where this new research took an unexpected turn. Conventional thinking held that the most logical approach was to enter lunar orbit at its closest point to Earth, which was the obvious, intuitive choice. But researchers found that it’s actually better to approach that diversity from the opposite direction. “Instead of assuming that it is easy to choose the part closest to Earth, we can use systematic analysis with fast methods to find non-trivial solutions,” said study co-author Vitor Martins de Oliveira, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. In other words, turning around proves to be more efficient than going straight.

How 30 million simulations led researchers to a more fuel-efficient moon route

The method behind the discovery is rooted in the theory of functional connections, a mathematical framework that reduces the computational load required to run complex orbital simulations. Using this approach, the team simulated 30 million different routes to the Moon, with 280,000 simulations referenced in their published study. That scale of analysis would have been much more difficult to conduct using older methods, which is why this particular pathway had never been identified before. The newly reported route consumes 58.80 meters per second less fuel than the previous cheapest known route. It may not sound dramatic, but in orbital mechanics, delta-v, the measure of velocity change required from the spacecraft’s engines, is the currency of mission planning. Lower delta-v means less fuel, less mass at launch, and lower costs at every stage of the mission.

Why does this new lunar trajectory also eliminate communication blackouts in space?

Efficiency gains aren’t the only benefit. The orbit the researchers propose also maintains uninterrupted communication with Earth, which existing routes do not always guarantee. “For example, the Artemis 2 mission lost contact with Earth for a period of time because it was directly behind the Moon,” Oliveira said. The new trajectory avoids that problem entirely, keeping the spacecraft in constant contact with ground stations throughout the journey.

What the discovery of the lunar route means for the future of lunar space missions

The researchers are careful to present this as a start rather than a final answer. Their modeling took into account only the gravity of the Earth and the Moon. Future research could include additional variables such as the Sun’s gravitational influence, potentially leading to even more cost-effective trajectories.“The systematic analysis we applied in our work could be more widely adopted going forward,” said Alan Cardec de Almeida Jr., a researcher at the University of Coimbra in Portugal and lead author of the study.The study was published in the journal Astrodynamics in April. As agencies and private companies plan an ambitious slate of lunar missions in the coming decade, the value of the equipment that makes those trips cheaper and more reliable will only increase. It, it turns out, was always there just waiting to be found on the other side.

If you don’t think franchise cricket is taking over, there’s even more reason to believe that might be the case. The vice president of JioStar, India’s leading cricket broadcaster, has now questioned cricket’s decision makers as to why they should invest in bilateral cricket, especially those that do not involve high-profile teams.

In an interview with Variety, Uday Shankar gave cricket administrators a stark reality check about how they price their media packages, arguing that sporting bodies are on the verge of pricing themselves out of their most profitable market.

“Why should you really have hope? geostar Should I pay the same price for a match between India and Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh, or India and Sri Lanka as I pay for a match between India and England or India and Australia?” Shankar asked, hinting at a major change in the way media companies calculate their investments.

The warning comes as aggressive bidding wars that have historically driven up the value of cricket broadcasting rights are finally beginning to cool down. Broadcasters are no longer willing to absorb flat-rate premium fees for poorly watched bilateral tours, instead choosing to focus on long-term profitability and viewership data. Historically, media giants have engaged in fierce, multi-way tug-of-war, paying more for content to prevent rivals from gaining a foothold in the market. Today, that defensive corporate spending is being replaced by strict fiscal discipline.

Furthermore, the industry dynamics that drove the historic price surge in 2022 are highly unlikely to be repeated. The mega-merger of Viacom18 and Disney’s Indian operations into JioStar has effectively removed the primary source of competitive tension from the market. With the biggest bidding rivals now operating under the same umbrella, the aggressive bidding wars that previously plagued cricket rights are officially a thing of the past.

weakening of per-match value

The conflict is likely to increase further due to the impending stagnation of media rights in the future. Projections reportedly indicate that the next broadcast cycle after 2027 will remain stable at around US$5.4 billion. Although this technically matches the main value of the existing deal at current exchange rates, it actually represents a 13 percent decline on a per match basis.

Cricket boards have attempted to generate more total revenue by expanding the calendar, but the extended match schedule only reduces individual game value. Broadcasters are realizing that running more inventory doesn’t yield nearly as many advertising dollars, especially when the quality of that inventory is compromised by low-profile fixtures.

viewer’s perspective

The increasing number of spectators is increasing the crisis for cricket administrators. The cricket calendar is constantly full; The domestic Men’s T20 World Cup is a massive event in itself, but it now has to compete for mental bandwidth with the mammoth IPL season. Shortly thereafter, the Women’s T20 World Cup in England forms an overlapping broadcast schedule with global spectacles such as the FIFA World Cup.

This constant barrage of premium tournaments doesn’t give fans any room to breathe, completely taking away the novelty of the game. When high-stakes World Cups and marquee franchise leagues go on simultaneously, low-profile bilateral series simply become background noise. Audiences are tired, and broadcasters are realizing they can’t make money from viewers who are actively tuning out.

Ultimately, Shankar made it clear that unless international cricket bodies adapt to these changing financial dynamics, curb calendar inflation, and restructure their valuation expectations, the traditional bilateral game faces an imminent pricing crisis.

– ends

New Delhi: The government on Monday said it is now distributing more domestic LPG cylinders, meeting the existing demand as well as clearing the backlog, indicating that panic buying has reduced and the availability of cooking gas has improved since March.Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Petroleum Ministry, said that the delivery time of LPG cylinders from the date of booking has also improved.“Our (LPG cylinder) supply has exceeded bookings in the last few days. Efforts have been made to bring bookings and deliveries back to normal,” Sharma said. He said that oil marketing companies are clearing the backlog. He said LPG production at the refineries has been increased to about 50,000 tonnes per day to support domestic availability.While a little less than 1.7 crore refills were booked in the last four days, Sharma said gas distributors managed to supply six lakh more cylinders. He said that before the conflict, the delivery time for refills was two days from the date of booking, which increased to more than five days during the height of the Middle East conflict in March.“The backlog is continuously reducing and the delivery time has now come down to 4.5 days. The effort is to deliver more refills than booked,” he said.The government on Monday issued a notification allowing LPG customers to surrender their gas cylinder connection within 30 days of getting PNG connection or obtain a transfer voucher from the distributor to restore their connection in a non-PNG area if needed in future. This could benefit consumers with transferable jobs, migrant families, renters, students and families relocating to non-PNG areas.On reports of shortage at some retail pumps, Sharma said there is no shortage of fuel and both the government and oil retailers are closely monitoring the situation. “All retail outlets are being closely monitored at the level of oil marketing companies and the Petroleum Ministry. Any intermittent shortages are being addressed immediately, and stocks are being replenished at all retail outlets,” he said.The official said panic buying was seen at petrol pumps in parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, resulting in a 20-30% increase in demand due to multiple factors, including increase in agricultural consumption, bulk users buying from retail outlets due to price differentials and shifting of consumers from private pumps to state-owned oil retailers.The ministry said panic buying was partly driven by higher agricultural demand, bulk buying and consumers shifting from private fuel retailers to state-run stores due to price differentials.

For generations, people have debated whether money can actually make life happier. Some believe that happiness comes from relationships, purpose, and health rather than money, while others say that financial security can remove many of the pressures that dominate everyday life. The debate came back into the spotlight after Bill Gates made candid comments about how money changed his life. In a resurfaced Reddit AMA response, Gates admitted that being financially secure has made him happier in a significant way, as it has freed him from the constant worries about health care costs, education expenses, and financial emergencies that affect millions of families around the world.

What did Bill Gates say about happiness?

The comments originally came during a 2019 Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session when Gates responded to a user who asked if his immense wealth had actually improved his happiness.“Yes,” Gates replied. “I don’t have to think about health costs or college costs. It’s a real blessing to be free from worrying about financial things.”However, Gates quickly added an important clarification that is often overlooked when the quote circulates online.“You certainly don’t need a billion to get to that point,” he wrote, arguing that financial stability, rather than excessive luxury, makes the biggest difference in people’s daily lives.

Many people liked the comment

This quote has spread widely because it touches on a reality familiar to millions of families: Financial stress can shape nearly every aspect of life.Unexpected medical bills, rising tuition fees, debt and inflation are putting pressure on families around the world. Gates’ answer was clear because he defined wealth not as access to mansions or private jets, but as freedom from constant worry about basic security.For many people, the idea that money buys “peace of mind” rather than happiness seems more relevant than traditional billionaire narratives focused on luxury lifestyles.

What do the studies say? money and happiness

Researchers have debated the relationship between money and happiness for decades, and most studies show that the relationship is more nuanced than a simple “more money equals more happiness” formula.A widely discussed 2010 study by Nobel Prize-winning economist Daniel Kahneman and economist Angus Deaton found that emotional well-being improves as income increases because money reduces stress, insecurity, and everyday hardship. However, researchers also suggest that the emotional benefits wear off after a certain point once people’s basic needs and financial stability are secured.Recent studies have challenged the idea of ​​a universal happiness limit, arguing that for some individuals well-being may continue to increase with higher income, especially when money creates greater freedom, flexibility, and control over life decisions.Still, researchers generally agree on one point: Avoiding financial insecurity has a far greater impact on happiness than accumulating excessive wealth. In many cases, the greatest emotional benefits come not from luxuries, but from reduced worry about health care, debt, housing, and unexpected emergencies.

Financial Security vs. Excessive Wealth

One reason Gates’ comments continue to resonate is that they shift the conversation away from billionaires and toward financial stability.His observations suggest that the real goal for most people is not necessarily to become super-rich, but to reach a stage where a medical emergency, job loss or unexpected expense no longer threatens their future.This gap has become increasingly important as the cost of living, housing prices and health care expenses continue to rise in many countries.

A debate that never really disappears

The question of whether money can buy happiness has existed for generations, but Gates’ comments have revived it in the modern era of rising living costs and economic uncertainty.While few can agree on how much money is “enough,” Gates’ comments highlighted a point that many economists and psychologists are increasingly acknowledging: Money cannot guarantee happiness, but freedom from constant financial fear can dramatically improve daily life.

Kid Rock delivered an unusual Memorial Day message from inside the Pentagon this week, appearing behind a Defense Department official onstage wearing sunglasses, a hoodie and a thick chain as he paid tribute to fallen U.S. service members.A video message was issued by the Defense Department. Kid Rock is also friends with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.“Hello everyone, this is Kid Rock,” the singer said as footage of soldiers and military hardware played on the screen. “This Memorial Day, we are remembering the sacrifice and service of so many who are no longer with us today. It is a special day.“We are thinking about them. Once again, I want to say thank you. God bless you all for your sacrifice, your service. Keep rocking the kid in the free world. God bless you all.”His closing line appeared to echo Neil Young’s famous song “Rockin’ in the Free World”, despite Young being a longtime critic of US President Donald Trump.Young has criticized Trump in recent years and previously sued him over the use of his music at campaign rallies. In 2024, Young released the song “Big Crime”, which included the lyric: “The bigger crime in DC is in the White House.”Kid Rock’s real name is Robert Richie. He has become close to Hegseth in recent months. In April, during filming tied to the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the pair flew in AH-64 Apache helicopters from an Army airbase at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. According to the Daily Beast, helicopters typically require two pilots, but each plane only had one pilot to make room for passengers.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the event, saying: “Today, Army helicopters operated over the National Capital Region in support of the Independence 250th Community Relations Event.”He added that Kid Rock “participated in several military liaisons with service members and filmed videos for Memorial Day, America’s 250th birthday and his Freedom 250 tour.”Parnell also said the musician’s visit gave him an opportunity to “thank service members, highlight the professionalism of the men and women who support the mission, and recognize their continued sacrifice in honor of our nation.”The Memorial Day appearance followed another controversial stunt in March, when Apache helicopters flew over Kid Rock’s home in Nashville while the singer saluted below.He said at the time, “God bless America and all those who have made the supreme sacrifice to protect her.”Later reports claimed that the pilots involved were briefly suspended before Hegseth intervened and overturned the decision.The Pentagon’s video also came as Trump faced criticism over comments he made about military deaths during a recent interview while discussing conflicts involving Iran and Venezuela.

New Delhi: The BJP leadership has moved to set its house in order in Karnataka, where its state unit is plagued by dissonant voices, and is setting its sights on the only southern state where the party is in power amid a perception that it has not been able to effectively harness “anti-incumbency” sentiments against the Congress government even as its leadership has been openly at loggerheads for several months at the cost of governance.BJP President held a series of meetings with party officials including MPs and MLAs besides organizational officials. Nitin Nabin Was clear in emphasizing the need for unity.Describing Nabeen as a practical and approachable person, a party official said, “His main message was that everyone should work together in the interest of the party and keep aside any doubt on one’s senior or junior status in view of the upcoming challenges.”After losing to the Congress in the two recent assembly bypolls, the BJP is now keen to make its mark in the upcoming local body elections, including the prestigious Greater Bengaluru Authority, to script a victory story for the 2028 state elections.Karnataka has posed a unique set of challenges for the party, which have been further heightened by the withdrawal of former CM and the state’s tallest leader BS Yediyurappa from electoral politics and the emergence of his younger son Vijayendra as his political successor.Vijayendra was made the state BJP president in November 2023, but a section of senior party functionaries were less happy with his leadership.While the party has elected its presidents in most states after its membership drive, which is a traditional process, not in Karnataka as its national leadership navigates claims and counterclaims while trying to maintain a fine balance.Though Yediyurappa, the state’s biggest Lingayat face, often faced challenges within the BJP, his stature and political acumen helped him keep him on the periphery.The BJP was forced to expel Yediyurappa’s rival Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who had become increasingly vocal after his son took charge of the party last year, and oust two more MLAs for not voting for its candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, almost unthinkable in its other state units.While the party’s reach in North, West and East India is wider than before, it is now expanding its influence in South India, where four states are ruled by opposition parties, while its ally TDP is the dominant party in Andhra Pradesh.

In a high-scoring season, IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 could be decided by the bowlers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the charge for RCB while Mohammed Siraj will lead the effort for GT. (agencies)

TimesofIndia.com in Dharamshala: Flat pitches, sky-high sixes and consistent run-scoring have defined IPL 2026 so far. But when Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) meet in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Tuesday, the contest may ultimately depend on the bowlers.The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is not suitable for bowlers due to its short boundaries. The way Gujarat Titans have been playing in the last few days jos buttler And Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Tim David was emptying the ball box with spectacular sixes in the stand and outside the stadium as well, offering a teaser of what could be in store in Qualifier 1. There is no doubt that this could be another high-scoring contest. In the three matches played here this year, teams crossed the 200-run mark five times. The only innings that fell short ended at 199/8. In those three games, 74 sixes have been hit, an average of about 25 maximums per match.The batsmen will be salivating at the prospect of another run-fest.This will also be another chapter in the battle between the ‘King’ – Virat Kohli – And ‘Prince’ – Shubman Gill – Who is seen by many as the inheritor of the batting legacy of Indian cricket. Both looked in great form during the hour-long net session. With 616 runs in 13 matches, Gill is second in the race for the Orange Cap after opening partner Sai Sudarshan. After a brief slump in the middle of the tournament, Kohli has rediscovered his form with a brilliant century and now has 557 runs to his name this season.But amid the noise around batting firepower, it may be the bowlers who determine which way the contest goes.GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya believes that the contest is evenly matched due to the quality bowling attacks both the teams have.

Shubman Gill during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. (PTI)

“In cricket, it’s always about putting runs on the board. But at the end of the day, you have to have a solid bowling unit and that’s what it is. The other important thing is consistency. If you look at both the sides, the bowling units have been very consistent.”“And the confidence in the bowlers, as well as the confidence shown in them by the captain and the management, means you will hardly see any changes in either side. I think that’s what is beneficial,” Dahiya told reporters.With 24 wickets in 14 matches, Bhuvneshwar Kumar And with Kagiso Rabada the joint-highest wicket-taker between the two teams, the Indian veteran has overtaken the South African in terms of economy rate. not far behind Mohammad Siraj With 17 wickets. With Josh Hazlewood (12), Jason Holder (13), Prasidh Krishna (14) and Rasikh Salaam Dar (14), it could turn out to be an even contest. Add spinners Rashid Khan (19) and Krunal Pandya (11) to the equation, and the battle will become more interesting.Dahiya admitted that it will be important to interact with Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the powerplay, but he also warned RCB that GT has equal firepower with Siraj and Rabada.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli (left) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (right) during a practice session ahead of IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala. (PTI)

“As far as the challenge goes [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] is concerned, I think the same can be said for our opposition also. If you talk about powerplay, our numbers are among the best in this tournament. So if the conditions are favourable, it works out for both the teams,” Dahiya said.RCB captain Rajat Patidar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how important Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s role could be when facing the two highest run-scorers of the season, Sai Sudarshan and Shubman Gill.“Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the powerplay will be very important. We will try to take early wickets and that is what we have done throughout the tournament. Repeating the same process again and again can make the difference.” “That’s what Bhuvi has done and we hope it continues like this,” Patidar said.In a season dominated by batting spotlight and rising scores, Qualifier 1 could ultimately come down to which bowling attack can hold its own for some crucial overs. On a field built for big hitting, the team whose bowlers blink last can secure a direct spot in the team IPL Last.