Business Opportunities in India

Day –2: Public life makes me more responsible

2009-05-25T21:34:00.001+05:30

These posts are as part of making my life public in order to be more accountable. You may see the purpose behind such an experiment in this post. And other posts in the series can be had from here.

Briefly, on achievements: On professional life, I could complete small part of a report. Trying to standardize many of my routine activities. Obviously one of such is this series of posts.

Interesting concepts on my mind during the day:

First create the processes, then automate.
Life is all about planning for the future and start working for it to happen.
If there is a cost reduction, whether the savings get added to the bottom-line or passed onto the customer, is very important to the shareholder.

9:45 - 10:30PM	Preparation for sleep (Food, brushing, bed arrangements etc). Would update in a separate post what exactly I do.
10:30PM - 5:11 AM	Slept. Typically I should wake up around 5:11 AM when my alarm rings. But I woke around 3:30 AM and I have decided to lie down on bed until my alarm rings at usual time. I could sleep again at 4:40AM and woke up on time.
5:11 - 6:20AM	Morning thoughts ( Started to plan around standardization of my time usage)
7:30 - 8:30AM	Worked on a Excel sheet. Figured out a fundamental mistake that I made previously.
8:30 - 9AM	Training to my maid (It is a part of 6 month process to train her so that she would be able do all the household work without my intervention)
9- 9:41AM	Morning activities
9:41 - 10 AM	Reached to office
10AM – 1:15PM	Worked on excel sheet and designed 2 images.
1:15 - 2PM	Lunch time and spent with colleagues.
2- 6PM	Worked on the partial report.
6PM-7:20PM	I was reading e-mails. One of them, I have responded.
7:20 – 8:30PM	Reading news articles on web on energy sector.
8:30 – 9PM	Reached home and taken bath.
9- 9:30PM	Written this post.

Comments on the day: Definitely today is one of the highly unproductive day. However, I am becoming more responsible and I will become much more efficient in the next 6-9 months.

To-do task from tomorrow: I will have to write hourly updates to let myself aware of how I am spending my time.

My life is public. First on the series!

2009-05-24T21:32:00.004+05:30

I will start writing in a interesting template form, for a while please adjust with this raw data. And I will also have to explain some generic tasks that I do regularly which I will do in a separate posts on each of them.

Briefly, on achievements: Today two most important decisions were taken. To implement them, I have decided to make my life public and started to write these posts. Taken rest for the next week.

	Woke up at 7AM
7 - 9AM	Morning thoughts (Typically I spend my time to think about strategic directions at broad level on my life) . Today I have taken important decisions on my life (will update this after 3 months on what it is!).
9-11 AM	Morning activities (Brushing, head-bath, shaving, breakfast, etc)
11-12:30 PM	Writing the thoughts behind this "online diary experiment" on this blog and Rural India blog.
12:30 - 1:45 PM	Spent time on updating look and feel of both this blog and Rural India blog.
1:45 - 2 PM	Lunch
2 - 2:45PM	Writing notes on my performance during the last 6 months
2:45 - 3:30PM	Written few pending official mails
3:30 to 7:15	Slept as I was awake most of the last night
7:15 to 7:30	Planning
7:30 to 8:15	I was trying to recall what my colleague suggested me on the report that I made. It was hard time, could not recall most of it.
8:15 – 8:30PM	Bathing
8:30 – 9:45 PM	Writing this diary

Accountability to the world!

2009-05-24T10:59:00.009+05:30

This post is about how I am accountable to the world as I consume resources.

Terminology:

Accountability is one of the best way to bring the efficiency into any system. For example, during my Mumbai life, I gave house key to my maid and no one else, and so, she was always accountable to all my household items.

Life is all about the kind of choices we make. We need to be very careful in each and every choice that we choose because those will set the directions.

Past one decade, I have been doing the following experiment (other experiments are here, here). I first publicly announce that I am going to do a particular task and the fear of embarrassment would always make me to be on right track of that task. For example, I announced 6-8 years ago that I never take ice-creams, chocolates, cold-drinks (aeriated soft drinks), etc. During first 2 years, it was very difficult to resist on occassions (like when I go along with close friends). But then, I could resist because I used to feel that someone would question me. However, now I don't have any interest on all of those items but that's a different story.

Standardisation of any activity makes much more efficient. For example, cardboard box or ship container has revolutionized the whole logistics sector. I am working on all of routine tasks to get some more standardized.

External Audit is the one of the best way to improve the processes. I have been doing this experiment for a while(other experiments are here, here). On every task that I do, I make sure that someone who is better at that job would provide their opinion on how I did. This has always resulted tremendous improvement in my thought process.

Blogs are usually opinions/experiences of individuals. In some sense, it is like a diary of an indiviudal/group of people.

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I strongly beleieve I consume much more resources of the world than most of the population in the world. I should be accountable in the sense that I use those resources in an optimal way and for the right use. In order to bring accountability to the world at large, from today I am going to note down what all I do on every day. I expect the readers to audit my actions.

What do I consume?

I consume a lot of intellectual resources such as ideas/results of all previous generations, access to infinite amount of knowledge on this Internet, computing power, etc. Similarly I consume a lot of physical resources such as land, water, air, etc.

What do I produce in return?

My own intellectual ideas.

Whom do I be accountable to?

I should be accountable to current & future generations.

What do I do now?

I will maintain a public diary of all my actions on every day from today (hour by hour format).

Benefits of this process?

At first, as I mentioned above, I announce things first then attempt to do them later. This process makes sure that I am in line with my plans. Secondly, I want to improve the way Ido things. This would be achieved by getting an audit of all my actions by any expert sitting anywhere in the world. This is just similar to the case that, your friend always suggests on your actions.

Goal of this process?

My broader goal is Rural Development. This is just one of the process wherein I want to be evaluated by world at large.

Comments, welcome!

Data recovery companes in India

2009-03-26T12:10:00.004+05:30

If your hard-disk drive (of Laptop or PC) has stopped working then all of your data is like it is just evaporated. However there are some companies which can recover them using latest technologies with advanced facilities (such as Class 100 clean rooms, etc). Some of these companies are mentioned below.

http://www.stellarinfo.co.in/
http://www.unistal.com/
http://www.techlogicindia.com/
http://www.ragadatasolutions.com/
http://www.diskdoctorsindia.com/
http://www.micro-solution.net/
http://www.dcrc.in/
http://www.janitordata.com/
http://www.rediscoverers.com/
http://www.ace-data.com/
http://www.datarecoverydelhi.com/
http://sites.google.com/site/datarecoveryexperties/
http://www.disc-technology.com/
http://www.aspiretech2.com/
Mr. Aniruddh, Mumbai : +91-9892729956

If you have experienced with anyone of these companies or some other company in recovering your data, please do provide comments here.

PS: If you want to erase a file beyond recovery, then you'll find them from companies like ontrack, voomTech and disk-wiper.

Inspirational lecture by Randy

2008-07-27T11:17:00.002+05:30

Yet another inspirational and incredible lecture by Prof. Randy Pausch. If you have an hour of time, please watch it.

Randy is a professor at CMU and gave the following lecture when he came to know that he was going to die in a few more months. This talk is about his childhood dreams, how he could achieve them and followed by how he helped others to achieve their dreams. Interesting part of this lecture is that it is all fun. Amazing one and I strongly recommend you to watch it.

Similar inspirational lectures by JK Rowling and Steve Jobs are here.

Cable TV, DTH, IPTV operators fights is good for consumers benefit!

2008-06-21T22:53:00.003+05:30

Recently I came across a news that Aksh Broadband offering IPTV service in Mumbai. More details of it are follows.

Name of the service: iControl
Service launch date: Possibly from 23rd June, 2008
Refundable Deposit: 1000/-
Installation fee: 100/-
Broadband: MTNL connection is needed (which is almost impossible to get a new connection!)
Monthly fees: 100/- for 100 free channels
Pay-channel pricing: 5/- per channel and currently no pay channels exist
Features: Time shift, Video on Demand (200 movies in a year)
Offer: Video on Demand is free for the first year.
Issues: Currently, broadband connection on Alcatel or Ericsson ports is supported but not on SOTL port.
Booking contact number: 1500 or 126555

At last, monthly price for TV channels has come down to 100/- with great facilities.

Cash card transactions are much higher in India. Why?

2008-06-16T13:08:00.002+05:30

There are two types of e-commerce transactions on Internet. First, the consumer who makes the transaction on his behalf or family or for a friend and secondly an agent (ICT kiosks, Internet Cafes, etc) who completes the transaction on behalf of his customer.

Indian e-commerce industry minus IRCTC is almost like we are still in infancy stage. So it is clear that insights from IRCTC would help us in understanding the e-commerce trends. Fortunately, every month, IRCTC publishes actual statistics on transactions with complete details on its website.

If you observe statistics of any month, first thing is that you would wonder that cash card transactions are like 1/3 rd of total transactions (rest are credit or debit or netbanking). And in fact, cash card transactions growth rate is much higher than all other modes of payment. Then you start feeling like you have never heard of them anyone using it, but how come such large number of transactions?

Being an insider in this industry I would like to you give you a detailed story behind this wonder. First, let us see the business model of a cash-card company:

Platform: It is two sided. Cash-card companies just tie-up with numerous merchants/service providers (like telecom or ticketing etc). And later they start acquiring agents to use their technology platform. Typically these agents are: ICT Kiosks owners or Cyber cafes or computer education centers or the latest PCO/STD 2.0 etc.

Target Audience: Who all can’t goto a website and/or can't pay through credit or debit card for remote payments. This means, those agents become the middlemen between the remote customer and the service provider.

Commission: Most times, cash-card companies get discount from the service providers (usually 3% to 5%), a portion of which would be passed to their agents (for example air ticketing works in this manner!). Otherwise, customer is charged (for example, IRCTC don't give any commission to cash-card guys and so, agents would charge customers on top of the ticket cost).

Other revenues: Of course there could be a small percentage of direct consumers who would use the cash-card on web. But that is not what makes significant cash-flow for a cash-card company.

Future: So it is obvious that cash-card transactions would become much higher than credit or debit card transactions when cash card companies can acquire much more agents (in particular rural areas) along with more service providers (such as electricity/water distribution companies).

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Now comes the biggest disclosure: In fact, strength of any payment card system lies with the following three points.

They must tie up with as many merchants as possible.
Technology/process that makes the consumer to use the card for payment.
Card distribution should be efficient.

Now, how are the famous credit card companies (VISA or MasterCard) placed in the above points. Firstly they are accepted with innumerous merchants. Secondly consumer can use the card at merchant outlet or online or telephone or SMS or etc. Thirdly, Banks issue credit/debit cards to the consumers on behalf of VISA/Mastercard. Now coming to the costs of this ecosystem of digital payments is usually less than 5% of the value of the transactions (VISA, Banks, Merchants share this 5%). As the Mobile payments is getting matured, this value is getting closer to 3%.

Of course, companies involved in this payment ecosystem also have additional revenue through other value added services such as interest charged to the customer by providing them credit, etc.

Suggestions for Rediff, Sify, Indiatimes etc

2008-06-15T13:46:00.003+05:30

For the past many years, I had some ideas regarding how to utilize e-mail service and offer various other services effectively. As I have weakness with my writing, I never put it down until last year. I wrote the following e-mail (November, 2007) to all top brass of Rediff.

I just would like to share few thoughts on Rediff's offerings to make it more competitive over other players like Google, Yahoo, Facebook etc.

The goal of any Internet company is make the users addicted to its services. Counting over 50 Million users, Rediff has great strategic advantage over its competitors having a specialized focus for Indian Internet users. Straight to the point, my observations are below:

1. Rediff should design a service similar to iGoogle where in, logged-in user would have all the offerings as widgets. This page should incorporate Web 2.0 features such as the following.

2. All widgets are available to the user on a single page(or multi-tabbed screens) and moreover he would have control over placing/ordering of those widgets.

3. When a user clicks on a widget for maximizing it, then the widget turns into a full-screened service (similar look of current offering). However on a specific corner, he would see more IMPORTANT STUFF of other services (I would explain this in the following notes).

4. By default, when a user logs into a particular service,say email, he would see the maximized screen of that particular widget (in the example scenario, it is email).

5. Each user would have a public profile and a private profile (this categorization can be increased to 3 or more, however let us stick to two types of profiles for the sake of explanation).

6. Public profile of an user contains all the widgets containing the services those he would like to share. This could be his personal photos, personal videos, Blogs, personal notes etc. Also remember, this includes the favorite stuff such as photos, videos, bookmarks, blogs etc all those but of others (content).

7. Common Private profile contains the stuff which the user would like to share exclusively with his personal friends.

8. Public profile content across all the services is searchable.

9. In any service, user has options to share with others. For example, while watching a video (ishare) he may would like to inform his friends as the video content is good and this should be through a "note from friend".

10. Also each widget can be customized by the user about its position/placing or other settings such as shared/unshared with a specific user.

11. On the usual e-mail screen, when the user moves the cursor over any email id (or on right click menu) he would be able to get many social network options such as "Add as my friend to profile, Scrap him, See his profile etc".

12. "Important stuff" which appear when the screen is maximized to a specific service are basically from the other services are: Scraps, Birthday Reminders, Updates on Friends private profiles, etc. "Notes from friends" could also be included here. This is the minimal line of
the total widgets page. Also these notes includes, chat applet and this could be a default option unless the user opts it out for a period.

13. Subscription to a particular service is by adding a widget. This procedure of addition is similar to iGoogle/Google Desktop gadgets.

14. Ads do appear in a particular fixed location of the screen.

15. When Rediff goes mobile, you can place the widgets as a linear list.

The goal of this is make all your services are interlinked with each other and the best, you would have at least 60 million user base for each of your offering. I believe that Google is having similar plans in mind in launching iGoogle. I came across a news that even yahoo has similar plans in this direction. However, specialized focus on Indian content would make Rediff to compete with global majors.

Surprisingly there was no reply from anyone of the top management at Rediff. Please wake up, don't be dumb!

Incredible and inspirational speeches by Steve Jobs and J.K.Rowling

2008-06-14T14:30:00.006+05:30

The following speeches have profound effect on me. I listen them as many times as possible.

Steve Jobs is the founder of Apple, which has release many creative products such as iMac, iPod, iPhone. He has given an exceptional speech at Stanford University. Click here to download and listen it. Although I strongly recommend you to listen it but if you wish to read it then click here.

J K Rowling is the creater of famous, Harry Potter. She has also given an amazing speech at Harvard University graduation ceremony. Click here to download and listen it. Although I strongly recommend you to listen it but if you wish to read it then click here.

Generic methodology for recruitment

2008-06-14T11:11:00.002+05:30

I used to hire software engineers, test engineers, documentation specialists, etc for my previous company, ControlCase India. I have followed the methodology mentioned below for all the new hires in that company.

Must:

Understanding of concepts: Check the candidate whether he could understand well-enough which he claims to have been.
Explanation skill: Can he explain the things which he understood?
Problem solving through construction: If he does not know a concept, can he pick-up things when given hints?
Drive for quest: Does he wait for hints when stuck-up or he has passion for do-it-self?
Suitatability to Job profile: Does he have sufficient skills for the job that he applied?
Matching candidate aspirations: Does ControlCase match his aspirations of learning new technologies?
Suitability of pay-out: Is the candidate worth of his expectations monetarily?
Ethics: Does he follow ethics?

Desirable:

Passion for experimenting: Does he have interest in experimenting new things?
Helping tendency in non-core: Can he help us in things which his job profile does not require?
Timing flexibility: Is he available as and when need arises?
Friendly nature: Is he interested in collaborative environment?
Adjustable mentality: Can he adjust with our facilities if we can't provide of his choice?
Minimal dependency: Can he take initiatives way-forward or waits for assistance?
Long-sighted philosophy: Does he want to collaborate with ControlCase for short-term or long-term?

You may then like to ask me how I should check all these in such short interviews/tests. For more details in this regard, you may contact me (my contact details are mentioned on the top of the side-bar of this blog).

Soapnut: The best soap & conditioner, also natural!

2008-06-14T10:49:00.003+05:30

Note: This was originally posted in my other blog on Rural India. As it seems to be very unrelated to the context of that blog, I am posting it here.

I have been using Soapnut (or Ritha or Kunkudu kaaya) from my childhood. It is simply the best. It is very popular in South India. In particular, rural andhra pradesh people use soapnut for taking headbath (a bath that includes washing the hair on the head). Many other parts of India, soapnut is used for cleaning the jewelery or precious metals.

I have seen small companies selling soapnut powder but it is not effective. I think, innovation is needed in order to extract the juice of soapnut and preserving it. So it is a wonderful business opportunity to make soapnut into a liquid format for selling it as liquid soap/shampoo.

Other personal observations:

Telugu & Tamil people take headbath once in a week unlike elsewhere wherein bath includes washing the hair as well!
Soapnuts available in Andhra is fine for eyes however, soapnuts of elsewhere may hurt the eye during the bath.
I did an experiment for the past 12 years by not drying the hair after my headbath. Traditional belief is that one may face the risk of catching cold then. However, my observation is that one may face the risk of dandruff but not catching cold.

Copyrights of the contents of this blog

2008-06-13T02:33:00.002+05:30

For the past few days, I have been writing regularly on this blog (I do have many more blogs). Can you believe this? Even though I maintain such a large blog, I don't know to write. Reason is simple, I avoided writing from my school life. However I had a good habit of reading Telugu (my mother tongue) books (I am damn far from English ones, even now!). So it becomes very difficult to write my thoughts. Although I speak with friends on various things but never had the habit of writing.

Two years ago, I found few ways to my problem. I felt like text-chatting with someone would make me to write more and more in order to get used to it. However, chatting made me bored except with my closest friend, who has purchased a mobile on my insisting and so my dream of practicing 'writing' ended. Next, I thought I would tell all my thoughts to the same closest friend, who would write them. Unfortunately that person has written some of those what I mentioned but never revealed to me. Later I thought I would have an assistant. I could not find one due to my laziness. Technology is so poor that voice recognition softwares are not yet ready. And so, the problem is remained till few days ago as it was.

After all these days (a little less than 30 years of life), seriously I decided that I will learn to write. Again reason is simple. Reading and writing are the two things which can make any human so much powerful on both accounts, inside and outside. I am always very slow in learning, practically anything. I learn stuff using the method of repetition. 'It is never too late' is the statement many times we hear. I don't know how many practices it but I am, on most occasions.

Can you believe my trick here, going forward, I have stopped talking much. As I love talking, I continuously do it all the time. But from now, I would interact with people using writing. If you are a regular reader of my blogs, then you must be aware that I do experiments on myself. And yes, this is also one of such experiment. You will see the results of this experiment by observing the date/time of the posts on this blog.

Due to this weakness of mine, I have not been replying to comments for long time on most occasions. One of such comment made me to write this post. That is about copyrights of this blog.

You can freely copy or distribute any of the blog-posts here and moreover you can even remix them but with one condition that you must attribute the original source. Yes, you must have guessed it by now. I am talking about Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 India License.

All is well that ends well. So be happy for the change in license.

Tricks to interact with females

2008-06-13T00:10:00.019+05:30

I used to feel that anyone can interact with females as one does with males. However, I was grossly mistaken.

For the large part of my life (27 years), I always kept myself away from females. However, during the last three years, I have interacted with many many females which I started as an experiment. Most of my interactions are on mobile phone or over Internet. So, in some sense, I had restricted relations. However I learnt a lot during those interactions. Here I present them as tricks in order to make you comfortable during the communications with any female.

There are formulae to impress girls. Start believing this ;)
Girls like reading more than talking, so start writing them (in particular, whenever there is a trouble)
Girls like references. So you must note your experiences with her in order to recall them later (in particular, during troublesome days). Yes, you must have guessed right! they live in web 2.0 world, wherein labels are most important.
Never insist girls to share unless they voluntarily do. However you can try to find out through puzzle/quiz sort of games.
Girls love to share so many things if they start becoming close to you. Never underscore nor comment. But just listen.
Girls usually like any of ice-creams/ toys/ music/ chocolates/ books/ arts/ pets. Try to impress them with these.
Whenever possible, learn to gift her. It could be any simple thing like "writing a poem" or "a physical gift" or "doing small things for her". Also don't forget to mention them as gifts!
Learn to praise.
Girls usually are sensitive and get moved by the social problems (surprisingly, not many love to solve them). So you need to have concern for social issues.
Although girls provide full support to their counterparts but you should never be dependent on your girl and on the other hand, you must assure her full support when she needs you.
Usually girls believe in sentiments. Never hurt them.
What they tell and what they mean is different. You must understand the actual meanings through the experience.
Girls love surprises. You must find a way to do them regularly.
Girls love dreams/imaginatory or childish world. Never comment on them and take them as sportive.
Girls like to do things multi-tasking mode. Never bother about it.
Girls like someone who is very different. However, we can't guess that the qualities, which make you to be a different one, can be liked by a particular girl or not!
These days, most girls are aspirational! If you support them in their interests, you would be highly regarded in their life.

In my previous post I did explain a major reason for difference between males and females. Please understand that these observations are generic and your girl might be a different female.

Acknowledgments: I must thank all those girls who helped me to learn some of the most interesting lessons in my life. I did more like an academic experiment and in any case, I would also like to say "sorry" for the inconvenience caused during my interactions. Best thing is that I stopped such experiments.

Health Tips

2008-06-12T23:56:00.002+05:30

I usually do experiments on myself. In a way, I learn a lot of things. I would mention some of those related to health here.

Psychology is the most important thing in any medical treatment. I have written a detailed post on this in my rural India blog.
After having bath, if you don't wipe off the water then you feel fresh for longer time.
Sleep and food are two critical things for your health. You need to have them at right time and regularly.
It is very easy to have good food in my case, I asked my maid to cook everyday a different "curry" (subji) for continuously 15 days. Then repeat happens.
I always take fresh fruit juices or salad whenever others prefer to have soft/alcoholic drinks.
Instead of going to Gym, I rather would love to play or go for a trek just because I love to do them.

How to find number of blog subscriptions via Google Reader?

2008-06-06T11:50:00.004+05:30

Today, I came to know that this blog is not subscribed by single person via Google Reader :( . However, my Rural India blog has 31 readers (Via Google Reader). You may wonder how do I get these numbers!

First have a Google id, wherein Google Reader subscriptions are lesser than 40. Goto Google Reader website and click on Trends on right menu. They you find "Subscription trends" for the last 30 days. Under this, most obscure tab provides you the number of subscribers. And finally click on 40 tab to view more.

Update: I observed it can also be seen directly after subscription by clicking "Show Details" on right corner.

Umbrella having no droplets on a rainy day!!

2007-12-16T16:15:00.001+05:30

Were you anytime facing difficulty to keep your wet umbrella on a rainy day at your office or home? or Did you ever got into a crowded bus with a wet umbrella?? Did you think then,if there is an umbrella which can just off from those droplets sticked to it? Yes, here it is.

Locate your keys or spectacles easily!

2007-12-16T16:08:00.001+05:30

Do you remember, your struggling to locate spectacles or car keys or car itself in a parking location or any other useful thing. Good news for you all guys. RFID is the technology which is ready to save you. Currently you can buy 100 US$ device and each tag, to the article you would like to locate, costs about 25 US$. I believe, it would be useful to everyone of 6Billion people only when the costs are like: 1 US$ device and few cents for the tags. Ideally the device should be integrated inside a mobile. So that if in case, mobile itself is not seen, can be found by making a call!! So this is still in R&D phase to get onto the cheaper side and integration with already popular devices. However, if you are a wealthy guy or looking for marketing such devices, then click here.

Customized Ice Creams : Make it within a minute to have it, right in your home/office

2007-12-16T16:02:00.001+05:30

Moo Bella is a Ice cream making machine, just like Coffee/Tea vending machine. Within a minute one can prepare a variety of ice-creams FRESHLY. Catch point is customization and really fresh. It is currently going through initial market test phase. So it is an interesting business opportunity for the dealers who are already into Vending Machines.

Award for the Social entrepreneurs who change the lives of children

2007-12-16T15:43:00.001+05:30

World of Children has instituted awards covers the following areas: Health, Humanitarian, and Youth leadership. This award is for change-makers of the lives of children and 100 nominees all over the world, would compete for 3-4 annual awards that range from US$15,000 to $100,000.

Encouraging entrepreneurial skills of SHGs

2007-12-16T15:32:00.001+05:30

Ezhuchi Virudhu is an award for the SHGs in chennai and engaged with micro-enterprises, also managing them efficiently. It is instituted by Sornammal Education Trust based in Chennai.

"Institute of Creativity" to be established in South India

2007-12-01T20:39:00.000+05:30

To impart education & training, conduct cutting edge research, nurture innovation and render Creativity Application Services (CAS), Government is planning to establish "Institute of Creativity". The institute will cater to private companies, government and other entrepreneurs. And the institute is funded by Ministry of Science and Technology.

Great news for Entrepreneurs : One-Person Company

2007-12-01T18:14:00.000+05:30

Government is planning to accept "One-Person Company" (OPC). Difference between Sole proprietorship and this new OPC is that liability lies upon the firm but not on the individual. Let us all hope that this bill will during the winter session.

Meanwhile, I have been looking at Bank Account for a sole proprietorship firm, I have found that the cheapest way to do that is through ICICI, just with 5000/-. However they require any one of the registration papers (such as Shop establishment, Service Tax, IT returns etc). Another interesting bank in this regard is : Kotak Bank, where-in you need to maintain the balance of 10000/-.

Broadband Blues and possible solutions

2007-11-26T00:58:00.000+05:30

In India, it is difficult to get a broadband connection with speed (good enough to download large videos) and also cheap. There are many people who have taken a limited-data connection, and so will not be able to download large files. In case of downloading such large video/audio files, the cheapest cost could be 1Re per MB for a limited-data connection. If somebody would like to download TV programs such as this, http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/video/video.htm, will have spend at least 100/- for each file (assuming size of the file is 100MB). Now if the user would like to download all the programs mentioned in the website, then the process becomes very much expensive. Now this problem can be solved in two ways.

1. Let us call the Third Party service provider who solves this problem as TP. When a user makes a request of the file by submitting its URL, TP submits to one of its associates. Note that an associate could be anyone who is registered with TP and having a unlimited broadband connection. The associate would then download the file, records it in a CD/DVD and inform TP. Then TP makes sure that the CD/DVD would be delivered to the customer by courier.

50 percent of the revenue from the customer could be shared with the Associates. Charge to the customer could be 60 Rs for the first 200MB (or less) and 20 Rs for every additional 100MB. Ensuring the quality processes on associates would be the key. Delivery time should never cross more than 3 days.

Expenses to the TP: 1. Marketing cost of the service. 2. Courier 3. Chargebacks if delivery is not made 4. Selection of Associates and one-time cost of training to them 5.Cost and maintenance of the Automated Interactions with the customer, associates and the courier 5. Settlements and disputes with customers, associates and also maintenance of a specific customer service for this purpose.

Expenses to Associates: 1. Monthly broadband connection fee 2. One-time cost of computer with a DVD/CD writer 3. CD 4. Electricity 5. Informing that download is completed 6. Time that one spends for initiation of the download, regular monitoring of the transfer and recording the data when completed. 7. Time for selection and training 8. Necessary softwares for the downloading the data.

Note1. To improve the quality processes, TP may submit the download request to 2 or more associates. Among those associates depending on who informs first, about the completion of the download of the file, is paid.
Note2. If size of a file is larger than 300MB then the task could be divided between two associates (such software exist?) so that the delivery time could then be minimized. In which case, cost of such software design and merging costs during the service would add-up to the TP.

2. An Internet Service Provider can provide this service a bit cheaper than the third party (TP). ISP can offer a complimentary service to its existing services as the following: When a user makes a request of the file by submitting its URL, the ISP downloads it and keeps the downloaded file available in the local network. A local URL would be delivered to the customer as soon as it is available. Customer can download it on LAN speeds. So this service can be charged on the basis of Data on demand, say 10Rs for 100MB.

Social Networking opportunity

2007-10-23T08:59:00.000+05:30

MySpace, Facebook, Orkut are not the end of Social Networking websites. You can still win.

Try to create a Social Networking website exclusively for residential societies, Companies, Institutions in collaboration with those organizations. This definitely makes sense as people who meet each other regularly may like to share more information than with strangers.

Mumbai Police Station's record : a proof for changing India

2007-10-22T20:09:00.000+05:30

Claim: India is changing
Proof: One of the Mumbai's coveted police station (Bandra-Kurla Complex Station) proudly announces that there were no Murder, Attempt to Murder, Robbery, Assault cases registered for the past 2 years.

I am very happy. How about you?

Developing countries are better prospect in this knowledge based revolution

2006-08-13T13:56:00.000+05:30

Innovation, Enterpreneurship are the key things for development in a knowledge based society. Here I argue that people who live in developing countries are better prospects compared to the citizens of developed countries.

Innovation:
Necessity makes the people to be more creative and innovative (compared to the people who have just passion). And also problems familiarity makes them more accessible for innovations at basic level which may revolutionalise the world.

Enterpreneurship:
Risk taking is the key skill required for enterpreneurship. People who live in difficulties they are already seen difficulties in life and so for them risk taking ability would be easier (because by taking risk they may experience the state which already they tasted) and on the other hand risk taking would be very difficult for the people who never have experienced the downside of the risk. So enterpreneurship is better cultivated in third world countries than so called developed countries.

Traditionally suppressed people would have more zeal to come up in life. This causes much better activity than people who live in developed countries.

Build a house in 6 hours!

2006-07-13T19:22:00.000+05:30

Toyota with its core technology of making cars, it has entered into House making industry!

Are Indian autoindustries taking the note of this?? So that they can enter into this evolving industry. See more details .

Click-everywhere : solving video piracy problem

2006-07-04T22:43:00.000+05:30

These days many movie producers are loosing their business just because pirated video CD of a movie gets into black market within a week of its release.

Powerful business model to solve this problem: Producer himself releases the official video CD of the movie along with its regular release. That too, at the cost of a pirate CD.

But then, how can a producer make money out of it: when people watch the official video CD on computers, on the screen every item comes on the movie is a clickable item. For example, if the viewer clicks on a shirt that Amitabh wears or Sharukh's pant or Rajani's bidi or Chiranjeevi's lungi then it straightaway takes to a website of the item where it is auctionable (same item) or salable (similar item). This does not just remain with cloths or accessories. Every item which goes on movie screen can make a great appeal to the audience and in turn to the marketer.

This was an idea which informally came out among students of a top US university and I think it may soon get patented. But then, can you generate similar ideas for Indian businesses?

I will join Indian Politics : an Orkut community

2006-06-14T23:22:00.000+05:30

Last year I started a community in Orkut by name "I will Join Indian Politics". Now it is one of the popular community among Indian members and counting 1000+ members. For the readers, who does not know Orkut: it is a friendship network service of Google (similar to Myspace) and it needs an invitation to start an account. Community is like a yahoo group but discussions are public.

I used to feel that there are many highly educated people who wish to get into politics but then there is no support from their friends/family on the same issue. So I started this community to make sure that there are a large number of such people in the country elsewhere.

Statistics on the community:
It took almost an year to cross first 500 members while it took just 43 days to complete second 500 members. Now the current number of members is : 1012. Everyday it is counting at least 10 new members. I am very very curious with this fact and observing the growth.

Reasons for this extraordinary growth in recent days:

Growth in number of Internet users

Increase in popularity of Orkut

Interested by seeing large number that is already formed in the community

Media coverage of Paritrana, Bharat Uday Mission, Samudai Bharati

Anti-reservation sentiments

When I think of total MP seats, MLA seats, ZP seats, Block leaders, etc., 1012 is still a very small number. By the way, can anyone just tell me : what is the total number of elected leaders of India??

If you would like to join this community, then you must have an Orkut account, for which you require an invitation. So you may write to me with all your details for an invitation (my gmail id: malapati).

Current recruitments at OSP Global : My Interview experiences

2006-06-03T07:22:00.000+05:30

For the past 20 days, I am seriously engaged in our recruitment drive of Certified IT Security consultants and PHP developers.

Most guys I interviewed are armed with BTech in Computer Science/Information Technology. I am extremely surprised to see that very few could answer the following set of questions.

1. What is a Stack?
2. What is a Queue?
3. Explain Linked list concept. Example for same.
4. Can you explain any sorting algorithm of your favorite?
5. Can you explain Binary search tree Algorithm?
6. Explain the concept of recursion.

Can you answer these questions?? Definitely not from your memory, but understanding of those concepts. And are you having following skillset?

1)Atleast 2 years software development experience
2)Experience with atleast one of the following: Java, .NET, Oracle/SQL Server Databases, Web Services/XML, Encryption, Remedy
3)Atleast 3 months experience with php
4)Good analytical skills

Preferable (but not mandatory) Skills
1)Experience with software development life cycle
2)Any security/compliance knowledge a plus
3)Good communication skills

If so, contact: zlokhandwala@ospglobal.com with your latest CV and contact number.

Education & Reservations

2006-05-09T18:01:00.000+05:30

Recently Atanu has a beautiful post on this issue that supply is the major problem. On a similar note, in regards of higher eduation, Satya compares this scenario with Indian telecom revolution and food sector experience.

I too believe on similar lines. Otherwise, why chattisgarh could come up with "40 private universities" in a span of very short time. I accept that, they were under quality institutes but then when the number increases, then quality would become the major issue. Which essentially mean: people want as many as institutes to come-up and they are ready to pay for quality education.

And then, in regards of primary education, Kerala did good things by increasing competetion by giving straightly scholarships to children, and subsidy in transport. Even in the case of primary education, poor ready to spend money.

Coming to Atanu's mantra that we should be concerned about causes not the symptoms: in the case of today's medical system as well, we are always very much bothered about symptoms but not the causes. On a surprising note, we prefer this and dont prefer ayurvedic system which chases the causes. Is this due to mass psyche?

Experiments on Myself : 1

2006-05-08T15:58:00.000+05:30

I usually experiment on myself on several issues: I started to document them,

Though often materialistic desires do take me a ride into their net but then when I take back for a while, as usual, eternal happiness has its last laugh along with me.
Formula for winning over greed : "My principle of" unwilling to do things which one loves to & can.
To be happy when you are in trouble is by getting yourself "willingly" into a bigger trouble for which you have a solution
To enjoy any situation, willingly face (or rather practice) both the extremes
Relations don't happen, they are built over time, sometimes knowingly and at times unknowingly.
Ethics are the focal to a character of a person

Certified IT security professionals : dearth of talent

2006-05-05T14:09:00.000+05:30

India is facing severe dearth of talent in IT security industry. Industry require people with CISSP/ CISA/CISM certification and good technical background. They seek people who would like to pick-up new technologies quickly (basically smart guys). India Inc is ready to pay very high pay package. By chance if you know anyone out there, let me know (malapati g mail).

Showing stock market quotes .. Good business for billboards!

2006-05-03T02:27:00.000+05:30

When I used to be at chennai and pass through Mount road I definitely look for temperature billboard, near hindu office. Because, in most cases I used to be stuck in traffic jam & had to kill the time.

So, keeping a small display box inside a billboard & displaying "Stock Market quotes" on it could be a good idea. That makes people to keep attention over billboard & as well as stock quotes, while passing over traffic jam.

How to bypass the "subscription" services of Online Newspapers & Magazines

2006-05-03T02:15:00.000+05:30

Usually many news articles are available just for subscriber alone. But then, in most cases you can get those articles if they are of high value.

How??

I assume, you have preview content of the article that you wish to read. Take a sentence out of that (keep this sentence in quotes) and search in blogsearch engines (for example, http://blogsearch.google.com/). Got it ??!!

(Note : This is a small piece of my book on Google Search (specific to Indian context). For more detailed explanation, on same topic or otherwise, you will have to wait for my book!)

Googling for someone : a routine activity in life??

2006-04-12T14:29:00.000+05:30

Last year I wrote on life partner selection that depends on "googling". Here is an another article that employers google their prospects. Today when I am discussing with N. Nagaraj of Business Line, he mentioned that googling of a person whom you are going to meet is also a common. Now I want to have a more closer look.

Whom are you googling for:

1. for Celebrities
2. When new friend introduced (likely thro online)
3. person whom you are about to meet/talk
4. Employers for potential hires
5. Police searching for criminals
6. for old classmates/pals
7. Ego-surfing or Self-Googling
8. Matrimonial/dating Search
9. for professionals (like architects, doctors, etc)

But then you must be careful, if not, you may get mistaken with the same/similar names. In this large world, there may be many people with same names/nicknames who confuse while you are researching.

Where to look for?
websites, blogs, comments in blogs, comments in web-news, comments in websites, guest-books, orkut or Myspace or ryze type of communities, blogeverywhere comments etc

Are there clues to search?
Ofcourse there are .. but then, you need to wait for my book.

Online Exam organising : Wonderful business opportunity

2006-04-11T11:42:00.000+05:30

As you all may be aware that, in future, most exams will be conducted online because of cost & time factors and (most importantly) effective reach. If one conducts exams online similar to Brainbench in India, that would be a great hit. Slowly they can take up the opportunity of conducting online exams for recruitments, admissions, online courses, distance education etc by renting "ready infrastructure" at Rs. 8000 a month (for a single computer). You can even reach to small villages through rural kiosks.

Wish to take-up?

E-commerce Infrastructure for small players : Wonderful business oppertunity

2006-04-03T00:47:00.000+05:30

Online presence is a must in this 21st century. Small players cannot have web presence and moreover they can't regularly maintain the website. If we can provide basic e-commerce service (incl. online payments) with subscriber revenue model, it would be a big hit.

Interested??

Price comparision website : a good business idea

2006-04-02T23:29:00.000+05:30

Indians are extremely particular about pricing. So if there is a website which provides details of product pricing comparision. That will be instant hit.

Are you ready to take-off with this idea?

Indian Movie database : No such website yet!

2006-04-02T23:13:00.000+05:30

It is very true that Indians are extremely fanatic about movies. You see that most of Indian forums are about movies. However I am extremely surprised to to see that there is no website which gives good information of movies like http://imdb.com/.

What data such site should contain?
It should give all movie details, reviews. Telugu, Tamil, Hindi are the top ones to be looked at. Site should get RSS feeds from several news sources. Discussion forums. Songs streaming (not so desired). Lyrics of songs (in english and local language as well).

Note: It does not need much investments. Team of 5 people can succede in this venture.

Are you interested to make one such?

Choose the career that interests you!

2006-04-02T02:19:00.000+05:30

These days I am used to hear about people choosing their career based on interests and not driven by money or similar materialistic desires. In particular, these days media loves to talk about management graduates who chose different career.

And here, I explain about one guy who made his dreams true.

Sekhar Kammula : He was a usual guy till he completed BS from Osmania Univ and MS (Comp Sc) from New Jersey Univ. He was always getting different thoughts of presentation from the movies he used to watch. So with this type of mindset, he talked to howard univ film school. In a way, he took an another Master degree in Fine Arts (MFA) from this school. Then he returned back to India with the MFA thesis consisting of a screenplay in hand.

When he was working as a software engineer in Citicorp, he saw the dreams of people around him who wish to make earning dollars as their objective of life. So his first directorial venture was "dollar dreams". Which was a runaway success but among high-tech junta and with a national award for his directorial debut. Then his second project was based on his MFA thesis, Anand movie is born, with a very different note. This was shot with his earnings and near to his residence (with a partial help from govt : total expenses were not more than 40 Lakhs). Anyone who watch this movie can understand how these days telugu/tamil/hindi movies fail to show tender feelings of an individual. No dramas or no fights and also no stylish dances either. It has made a mark on movie industry in the sense that one need not spend 20 crores to produce a good film. This film was a commercial success. Now that he became a established director, I hope he will not go after traditional likings of industry. His latest movie is Godavari. I am happy that Telugu industry got another Bapu style director in this fast century.

Do you respect your interests while taking decisions in regards of career?

Watch telugu/hindi/tamil movies online or even download them!

2006-04-01T17:20:00.000+05:30

These days I came across innumerous links to downloading Telugu/Tamil/Hindi movies websites. Basically they are mentioned in certain blog-sites pointing to heavy-storage websites where the files are being uploaded. I could get almost every movie released (2006) in Telugu/Hindi/Tamil. I could get even some of the alltime-classics. Most of them can be downloaded (size could be anywhere between 150MB-300MB) and few of them could be watched online. Considering the penetration of broadband, I dont think this is a problem.

How to get?
Search for movie titles in http://blogsearch.google.com/ or http://video.qooqle.jp/ or http://video.google.com/. While searching for titles, be careful about spelling. For example, pyar could be written as pyaar and kiya can be written kiyaa. So while searching for titles, also try all possible combinations like pyaar kiya, pyar kiyaa, pyaar kiyaa, pyar kiya.

If number of results are very high, then use quotes as in "pyar kiya". You may also use (download OR watch OR part) along with the title to cut down the results (however this logic holds now but cannot be guaranteed forever because spammers may use these words so that their sites get visited if they come across this blog).

Being away from my native for 11 years, I wanted to watch few recent good movies in Telugu such as Arya (I strongly recommend it even for non-natives), Anand, Show etc. You would love to see the largest collection of links to Telugu movies (currently there are about 250 movies).

My views on industry: After watching few movies of telugu and tamil, I could clearly understand that nowadays some good movies are coming-up in telugu (at the same time tamil movies are becoming worse like of telugu movies in 1996-2003).

Franchise Model for Automobile repairs

2006-03-30T11:50:00.000+05:30

Rohit Tripathy writes:

Specifically for India, franchise format development for automobile repairs is a money spinning idea. Standardize the offerings and rates: like puncture repairs, towing, body work, tyre replacement, engine/gearbox repairs etc, and come up with a standard prices for repairs. Offer a standard toolkit to the franchisees. The potential franchisees would be numerous car mechanics in the country. Charge them a fixed support fees of 7% of their entire sales. In return guarantee them customers, marketing support, and latest methodology.
The following infrastructure would have to be created:
1. National call center to arrange mechanics be sent to site of breakdown
2. Methodology and price list
3. An allocation software
4. Legal Contracts
5. National Advertisement and marketing program
6. Revenue sharing mechanism
7. Company website
8. Quality Management programme
9. A schedule for listing the host franchise company in NSE and BSE

The actual investments would be put up by franchisees. Collect a non-refundable joining fee of from them.So with a minimum capital investment, an extremely scalable business model can be created. This will have a very high visibility. Franchises are an under-developed concept in India, and stock markets would love it.
P.S. This can be done just not for automobile repairs but also numerous other small things that touches life of an average Indian.

Ranbaxy-Terapia deal :undisclosed info

2006-03-30T11:42:00.000+05:30

Ranbaxy recently has taken a stake in Romanian firm Terapia. While detailing to media they did not disclose all details of the deal but simple arithmetic lets us know all details. Rohit Tripathy has the Ranbaxy-Terapia deal details.

Project: Sitar, veena on mobile; Are you interested?

2006-03-29T09:43:00.000+05:30

Recently Motorola patented guitar on mobile and Indian techies can now think of Sitar, Veena. Interested?

Japan: Navigational service will be available in this month?

2006-03-29T08:51:00.000+05:30

I recently discussed (rather guessed!) how navigational service on mobile can make good business in India. Japan is going to be the first country in this regard. According to this news:

KDDI has just revealed plans to launch a navigational service through its cellular phones. To locate a particular place or establishment, all you have to do is key in its telephone number or postal address. For public buildings, you just have to provide its name. Public transport schedules are also available.

When mobile service providers will bring this technology to India?

Latest in the block : Engineering process outsourcing

2006-03-29T08:40:00.000+05:30

After BPO, KPO, LPO, now look at EPO numbers. It is expected that, in the next two years, India's export will be $10 billion. Engineering Export promotion council is much helpful in this regard. Are you there to take it up?

Nanotech : the next big thing?

2006-03-29T08:33:00.000+05:30

According to this news:

Nobel Laureate Sir Harry Kroto said, "The world must look at nanotechnology, which is akin to coming close to how nature works.”

[.........] The market for nano technology products is estimated at $1 trillion in a decade or so. Nanotechnology’s spread into the mainstream, replacing traditional materials like silicon, will be much like the advent of plastics that reformed businesses in the last century. Says Sir Kroto, “Next generation scientists will have exciting times in reproducing natural engines and in understanding how nature works. The atomic and molecular perspective is coming to engineers and that holds a lot of promise for nanotech.”

Which courses/subjects will be hot in the future (year 2020)??

2006-03-27T00:09:00.000+05:30

Recently I have written the following article on my Education related blog. I am almost copying it here just to get more circulation (but with some modifications).

As I believe, similar to the case of statistics & computer science broke-out from the Mathematics (or rather Applied Mathematics), there will be many new sciences will be leading from computer science. This thought appeared in my mind when I was looking at recent issue of Nature magazine. I started to think, which courses (in future) will be good for a career span. Clearly Statistics is going to be a key subject of the future as more and more as data related jobs will be created. Then Biology, Nano, Alternative Energy systems related courses will possibly become the hot courses of the future. Space exploration, Nuclear science will possibly become a usual academic course like Statistics today. You may guess this change happens due to capital investments by large private corporations of the world. Wireless will continue to be one of hottest subject like now. Mathematics will hold a key then as well. Most interdesciplinary courses of today will lead the future of education.

So your future choice of course is for Bachelor degree is not in Mechanical or civil engineering but in:

BS in Data Engineering
BS in Re-engineering
BS in Space Exploration Science & Engineering
BS in Gravitational Force Engineering & Tidal Power Systems
BS in Nuclear Engineering & Technology
BS in DNA Computing Systems
BS in Lightning and Atmospheric Electricity Technology
BS in Satellite Navigation Systems & Engineering
BS in Information Organisation & Analysis
BS in Space and Aviation Control Systems & Engineering
BS in Brain Engineering
BS in Solar systems & Technology
BS in Quantum software systems
Diploma in Repairing Industrial/Home Robomaids
MS in Mobile Systems Frauds and Social Engineering
MS in Brain Simulation science
MS in MARS Surface Engineering
PhD in Persistent Alternate Happiness Models
PhD in Ethical issues in Redesigning Humans
etc...

Any thoughts in this direction, please do comment me.

Navigational product services : Wonderful business oppertunity

2006-03-26T09:43:00.000+05:30

SATNAV Technologies, an India based GIS products company has released a product in-vehicle navigation device for Rs. 38K ($875).

If this facility can be offered on a mobile for a low price, aiming 100 million users, then that will make another Indian Google company. Note that Google may enter into this area with its offering Google Local/Maps on mobile. If any Indian company comes out prior to Google entry, then Google may try to buyout that company.

Because this facility can be thought as yellowpages on move. Business model: targeting advertisements of shops, restaurents, hotels, movie halls, business houses, ATMs etc. Regular revenue can also be possible by making user as a subscriber.

Are you ready to take it off?

Sling Media Mobile : Personal TVs in the offing

2006-03-26T07:49:00.000+05:30

According to this press release:

SlingPlayer Mobile is a new software package that gives Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home TV from any network-enabled mobile phone or handheld computer (PDA) powered by Windows Mobile. The SlingPlayer Mobile software available today is compatible with devices that run Windows Mobile Pocket PC 5.0 and 2003 Second Edition. Sling Media will also deliver a version for non-touchscreen devices based on Windows Mobile Smartphone within the next month.

A trial version of SlingPlayer Mobile is available today as a free download from Sling Media's web site, www.slingmedia.com, as part of the public beta program. Beginning April 26th, SlingPlayer Mobile will be available for $29.99 and includes a free 30-day trial. Slingbox owners who purchase and register their Slingbox prior to April 26th will receive a free license for SlingPlayer Mobile. There are no monthly or recurring charges for the use of the software.

Rising India : essays by foreign media

2006-03-23T10:10:00.000+05:30

Nature writes about growth in Biology, lifesciences, pharma, etc
New Scientist writes on high-tech research, pharma, bio-tech, space, nuclear etc
Chemical & Engineering News: Journal writes about experimental engineering and life sciences labs
Newsweek magazine on its cover story writes about outsourcing, education boom, IT

Fortune writes on its cover story about investments
The New York Times discusses whether India will have another Silicon Valley
Knowledge@Wharton writes on IT, R&D, investments, human capital, pharma, auto, etc
ABC news video describes that IT super-power
Information Week writes about Innovation in India
International Herald Tribune in its editorial writes about IT, Nuclear pact between US & India
Boston globe in its editorial writes about IT
Eweek writes on IT & its influence on Globe
Deutsche Bank writes about investments, growth perspective
CFO Asia which publishes the economist newsletter ran a conference on "India Rising"
CIOL writes about outsourcing product development
Financial Times describes how china could learn from India's rise
Harvard Business School Knowledge writes about innovation in asia and favors India
United Press International writes about Innovation
Businessweek writes about science, technology, IT and R&D
CSIS report analyses rising India & according US policy
The Naked Economist argues that India's rising is good for America
The Wilson Quarterly writes about India's rise over the years
Ketchum writes about middle class consumers, oppertunities, business practices
TV channel launched its desi version in New York's Times Square
USA Today writes about rising of Indian economy in 2003
ABC news cover Bollywood's rise

Books:
Paul Devies, What's this India business? Outsourcing, offshoring and global services revolution ...

Other than these there are innumerous blogs on same issues.

This is a continuously-updated article. So please let me know if you come across anymore (malapati at gmail).

Background verificaion : Booming Industry

2006-03-23T09:36:00.000+05:30

Can you guess how much is the fee for background check of a person on his qualification? It is anywhere between 3K-5K Rupees (quoted by an industry insider). This industry is booming because of Indians moving to many other countries and so their background checks are outsourced. I fear whether this increases the appetite of corrupted police because they are one of the major source in these checks.

Struggling with Reliance, Nokia

2006-03-23T08:32:00.000+05:30

Reliance is one of the most unethical company was the statement I hear from many guys. They try to cheat customer whenever it is possible. Now it is true on my account too. When I moved to Bombay (Mumbai), reliance was my choice and which I feel, was my big mistake. I was cheated on money accounts (I have complete proofs with bills). When I complained to customer support "head", he says he will come back.

I have a Nokia 2112 mobile phone, I purchased it in a reliance webworld francaise, exclusively to avail Internet. However, from day1, it stopped functioning in this regard.
Many times callers complain me that they can't get to me. Nokia Care guys don't even listen to your troubles (my personal experience). My brother had lot of troubles with Nokia Care when he too had troubles with his phone (never believe Nokia Care guys). I advice people to be very careful while buying Nokia Phones. However my first phone Nokia 1100, was really good. I heard from many peers that this model is good at least if it was purchased till 2004 (don't know the current status).

Did/Do you experience similar woes?

Flyover in 36 hours - in India!

2006-03-21T21:12:00.000+05:30

According to this news:

Using prefabricated bridge elements, Delhi government is to build a flyover at the ITO intersection — from the ITO office to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg — in 36 hours!

Such technology is very common in Texas.

The concrete used in the prefabricated material was stronger and had a longer life — 50 years against 15. However, it will cost 10 pc more than normal. ‘‘But if you calculate the hours and the fuel lost in the endless traffic congestion during the construction, the ordinary flyovers are more expensive".

Indian Youth's Voice : calling action

2006-03-21T19:31:00.000+05:30

70 percent of Indian population is below 35 years of age. So they are no more wanting to stay in bushes like in 1970's. They want to see the changing scenario. They wish to act against the problems of the Nation.

This has been recognised by few film directors : So why the following movies went on with resounding success (particularly 3rd one is to be noted : movie is very badly shot).

1) Ashutosh Gowariker (Swadesh)
2) Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (Rang de Basanti)
3) Shankar (Anniyan/Aparichitudu)

These movies success lets us know about the Indian Youth would like to watch the rebels fighting the cause & feel as it themselves in the process.

Why I am writing this is to let you know (& observe) the changing mindset. An appropriate note to be taken while jumping into elections.

Raja

Mathematical Genius Ramanujan biography: A multi-dollar film

2006-03-20T07:32:00.000+05:30

A multi-million dollar film will be made based on Ramanujan biography. The film will begin shooting next year in Tamil Nadu state and Cambridge. British director Stephen Fry and India's Dev Benegal are the key people behind this project.

See more details here.

Cadbury : repacking old chocolate bars

2006-03-20T07:24:00.000+05:30

Dont offer cadbury products to your beloved ones. Cadbury is known for repacking old chocolate bars with fresh manufacturing dates on the wrapper. They are recently fined for same.

Japanese characters to telugu letters

2006-03-16T07:10:00.000+05:30

Last year when I went to Japan, I have made a list of Japanese characters and their associated telugu characters. I am making public so that those will be useful for starters of learning japanese.

Raja

Best site on Telugu

2006-03-16T05:56:00.000+05:30

The following site contains languages, history, etc. It has everything that I could imagine about telugu. I could not leave without reading poems such as:

"bava bava panneeru .. bava pattkuni thaneeru"
"kalla gajja kankolamma .. vegulachukka velaga pandu"

http://www.andhrabharati.com/

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other good websites in telugu:

http://www.apweekly.com/ Andhraprabha online
http://www.evaram.com/ E-weekly
http://www.pramukhandhra.org/ Telugu Magazine
http://sandhadi.com/ Telugu Magazine
http://www.teluguone.com/ Online telugu novels, stories, serials, cartoons
http://telugu.sify.com/ Telugu Portal
http://webprapancham.com/ Telugu Portal
http://www.idlebrain.com/ Movie news, listen to Telugu songs & download (*.swf)
http://www.raaga.com Listen to Telugu Songs
http://www.telupu.com/ Telugu Information Base
http://www.eenadu.net/ Newspaper
http://www.vaarttha.com/ Newspaper
http://www.andhraprabha.com/ Newspaper
http://www.vaartalu.com/ News Collection from all newspapers
http://www.teluguwebsite.com/ Collection of Telugu links
http://www.sirigina.com/telugulipi/ Telugu Documenation softwares
http://www.telugucinema.com/ Filmi buzz
http://www.telugupeople.com/main.asp Online Directory of Telugu People
http://www.telugusites.com/ Telugu sites links

Raja
PS: This list was 3 times when I collected, but I found that number of sites have been missing due to dotcom failure.

Brain may get damaged if ..

2006-03-16T05:52:00.000+05:30

I had the following info from someone.

1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.

3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.

4. High Sugar consumption
too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.

5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.

6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.

7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.

8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.

9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.

10. Talking Rarely
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain.

Visiting India as a foreign tourist : Experiences

2006-03-15T06:50:00.000+05:30

Steve McCurry writes after his visit in March 2006.

India is a country of paradoxes and contradictions, symbolised by its constant contrasts: in the streets of the bazaar, the stench of rotting garbage is suddenly replaced by heavenly fragrances of sandalwood and frangipani; religion is expressed by frozen superstitious rituals and fanaticism as well as refined scholarship, sublime poetry or deep devotion. Deep spirituality and rampant corruption rub shoulders everywhere.

Mike Gilbert writes after his visit in March 2006.

-Many of the rural areas are beautiful
-Many temples, forts, and complexes are incredible
-The Taj Mahal is as cool as I thought it would be
-It is a lot of fun and good experience to travel in India
-The food is amazing and spicy
-The ice cream is the best I have ever had
-Airlines in Asia rock
-The country is fascinating
-The religion is fascinating
-The culture is fascinating
-The experience is fascinating

Wes Olson writes after his trip in Feb 2006:

That was the title of my journal the last time I came to India. I’ve been in India for about a week, now, and it’s as crazy as ever. Although I’m far better equipped this time than the last, which is good! I had forgotten about the smells and the feeling of breathing the dense and humid air, which surprised me because it had stayed with me for months after coming the last time. But it hits you like a brick when you get off the plane, no other place I’ve been has such a distinct feeling to it. It’s simultaneously intoxicating and smothering, and wonderful. Surely the most chaotic place on Earth is somewhere within India’s borders, and yet there is such a rhythm and order to it’s chaos. Yes Andrew, I still love it as much as the first time!
...
Being in the south is so nice now, what a different world to northern India! So much less hassle, more laid back, more beautiful, tropical, lush, coconuts, beach huts, warm breezy train rides, superior in most every way. Except, that is, for the heat!

Rachel Vicary writes after his visit in Feb 2006:

Phew! I don't know where to start – life here is totally crazy. India is overwhelming – it invades your very soul and I love it. Well, some of the time. Other times I hate it…

Martin writes after Jan 2006 visit:

With the exception of the tiger reserve, the landscape in India has been pretty much flat, so it was a pleasant change to have to cross a mountain pass to get from Ajmer on the main road up to Pushkar.

Bobrail writes after his Feb 2006 visit:

there was little to connect such vastly disparate places as Gujurat and Tamil Nadu, Kashmir and Kerala: Not language, not climate, not history, not even religion.

chuhui writes after her vist during Feb 2006

I like India a lot. I wish I didn't have a life to get back to so that I could travel even more slowly, savor the smallest pleasure for days at a time. I hate leaving a place and feeling like I might never see it again. But I know I will, one day.

TreeHugger writes after Feb 2006 trip:

The food, however, has been really great and cheap thus far. Lots of curries that are suprisingly good and this mornign we even found a bakery with...wait for it.. cappucino!

David Cox wrote after Feb 2006 visit:

On our way back to the hotel we got caught up in a parade to celebrate a muslim festival. I don't know what festival they were celebrating, but it involved the curious ritual of grabbing the mearest white girls breasts - something to which Marlene can attest.

Kallaboo writes after Feb 2006 visit:

The highlights of our four-day-long adventure are the Chopta and Yumthang Valleys. Honestly, if you showed me photos now of both, I wouldn’t be able to tell which is which. But I can tell you for sure that they are both sublimely beautiful. At about 12,000 feet up, the silence in the air makes you feel like you’re alone in the world. Well, at least until the car of Bengali tourists come putting around the corner.

Ian writes after his trip during Feb 2006:

India an incredible experience so far. And although I have enjoyed the temples, monuments etc the most fascinating aspect has been the people.

Lee Gimpel writes during Feb 2006:

You can stay at really, really nice hotels and eat really, really nice meals here. India has, by some accounts, the best spa resort in the world now. There truly is luxury to be had here. But with even a very minimal budget you can do a lot and enjoy yourself while doing it. Almost every meal I've had has been well under $5. Well under. More like $2. And that's often at a sit-down place with real tablecloths. Coke in a bottle will run you about $.30. An all-you-can-eat buffet will set you back a dollar. Travel a few hundred miles by train and you're talking $10 or $20 unless you go deluxe and the price doubles to a whole $40.

Jessica in writes during her Feb-March 2006 tour:

With the variation in culture, history and landscape, India's 25 states could almost be separate countries unto themselves. India is home to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, Parsis and others. The landscape ranges from the deserts of Rajasthan, to the high Himalaya of Himichal Pradesh, and the tropical forests and beaches of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There is intense poverty and concentrated wealth. India seems to encompass the heights of the first world and the depths of the third, particularly in its cities. India supports huge, contemporary industries such as software, automobiles and luxury tourism, while millions of its inhabitants continue to do all their work and chores by hand. You can watch a young girl fill her cast-iron clothes iron with actual burning coals to iron the days wash and around the corner purchase the latest computer technology.

Kelly writes during March 2006:

It has been said a million times since before we got to India by many faculty, and people on the ship- As much as India has its ugly parts, it has its beautiful parts, for everything you can say about India, you can say the opposite and that is true.

Leah Rust writes during her trip in March 2006:

I thought long and hard about how I should start this blog because it seems as though every time I sit down to write about a country I just want to say… “Well this has been the best country so far”…. But honestly… India has BY FAR been the best country that I have visited on this voyage. There just are not really words that can describe the way that India feels, smells, looks, sounds, and tastes. It is truly a different experience than anything I have ever come into contact with. South Africa and Brazil were just as amazing, but India was just such a different kind of amazing. Being in India and seeing the poverty and tasting the food and hearing the busy traffic noises for myself was so much different than anything that I have ever read about the country and anything I was even prepared for. INDIA IS INTENSE. There is no other way to describe it. Intense in a good way, but intense. I am going to attempt to do the country some justice in the following paragraphs and I have no idea if I am going to be successful or not, but here we go.

Kim writes during March 2006 trip:

India was an incredible experience. It is so vastly different from America and anywhere I’ve ever been. It was overcome with dirt and trash, yet the culture is so rich that it’s hard to not like, or at least be fascinated by the country and its people.

Mark Mason during March 2006 trip:

Maya. It is a Hindu root concept probably 4,000 years old. Roughly translated, it means veil in Hindi, but is best represented as “What is apparent is not real, and what is real is not apparent.” It is both the imperfection of our senses and an illusion that is easy to get lost in. On the streets of Chennai, Delhi, Agra and Mamallapuram it is hard not to get lost in maya—this is the raw and powerful and yet disturbing image of India, the second most populated country and largest democracy in the world. People hate and love India at the same time. Walk down the streets, and you are overwhelmed by beggars and unusual smells and strange sights. Meanwhile, the Indian government is alarmed that very few people who visit India ever return, 3% exactly—a serious problem for tourism. Here on the Indian sub-continent, cut off and nestled south of the Himalayas and among the holy rivers of the Brahmakutra, the Indus, and the sacred Ganges, is one of the most diverse and unique lands in the world, with 17 officially recognized languages and a culture, dress and food unique only to South Asia. India, not Britain, is actually the second largest English speaking population in the world, a language that now binds the language divide. (Britain is the third!) Officially known as Bharath Matha, or Mother Land in Hindi, this is India—vibrant, alive, and powerful. According to the overwhelming majority religion Hinduism (80%), the purpose of life is to penetrate Maya, or this veil, and see the real life. My goal is the same, to make a passage to India and see beyond some of the horrors of daily Indian life into the resilience, richness, beauty and power of the Indian people and culture.

Frank-Joseph writes during his trip in March 2006:

No amount of research or studying can prepare you for India. Unless you’ve been there, nothing I tell you will enable you to understand it. You will not get it. India was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never felt so lost, out of place, and foreign. Likewise, I’ve never felt so many conflicting emotions about a place or group of peoples. Aptly put, India is a place of paradox...........................................
.........there is so much beauty and mystery about India. The architecture is amazing, and the people I did meet were incredibly accommodating and friendly. The colors and sights were beyond inspiring, poetic almost, and the experience is something I can never forget. This has been the most exotic and overwhelming country we’ve visited.

A student at Concordia University writes during his trip in March 2006:

The city of Chennai was very interesting. There were large buildings, billboards and signs everywhere. There were so many people. The people were beautiful. The Hindu women wore bright colors of sarees and panjabi suits, while the men wore cotton pants and button up shirts.

Erica writes during her trip in March 2006:

I don’t know if I see myself going back to India anytime soon, but I’m really glad I’ve had the chance to see what I saw and have the experiences I had.

Zach writes after his journey in March 2006:

Wow! It will be impossible to sum up India in this blog. The word one professor uses to describe it is ‘intense.’ It is definitely that..............It is the first place we have visited that I actually felt culture shock, and I loved it! I will probably think of a million things I forgot as my experiences sink in, and I may add them later. The government’s tagline for promoting tourism is Incredible India, and it is definitely that!

Timothy writes after his journey in March 2006:

India has always though been exciting, amusing and ultimately rewarding. Incidentally, for this leg, and for those that don't know them, I travelled with Keeran - a friend from the house in Birmingham, Matt - a friend who I met through Keeran andMax (Mumbai and Goa) - also a friend from Birmingham.

Molly writes his journey details during March 2006:

INDIA!!! This country is amazing. I found it to be the country of opposites...................................................................
It was really sad to leave India because I had such a wonderful time there. I defiantly want to go back after I finish college. (and by the way mom and dad I took 10 rolls of film too, I hope they came out well). I love India a lot and could defiantly spend a lot of time there. It was by far my favorite port so far. Myanmar is next we get there on the 15th. :)

halcyon writes his journey details during March 2006:

I began to really like the country. I saw lots of amazing places – Gandhi’s assassination site, Jaipur, the Amber Fort, the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort... The Taj was beautiful, but in my opinion, it couldn’t compete with the Amber Fort, an old royal capital built in the hills around Jaipur.
As young Westerners, we were the subject of intense curiosity and fascination. It was almost like reverse tourism – the observers being observed. Everyone everywhere turned their heads and just watched us. I can’t tell you how many India men and women came up to us at the Taj and asked to have their photos taken with us. Some SAS students refused, which I think is rude. I thought it was actually quite an honor to be so admired.

laurasmash writes the journey details during March 2006:

India is incredible. what a difference from america. i believe that may be an understatement as well. aside from being so different, it’s so much different than the previous ports as well, truly an amazing experience.

Christina writes the journey details during March 2006:

as a theme for India, is that it is a country of paradox – it’s a place of riches and poverty, happiness and despair, love and hate, etc. While quite absurd there is no better description. Anyways, now to the fun stuff!.............INDIA WAS AMAZING – if you ever go, COUNT ME IN!

Darren writes his trip details (March 2006):

Incredible India, ..................... Nevertheless, it's still a beautiful place. Really memorable

Spike writes his experiences in India during March 2006:

Fantastic: Sitting in my room, I hear loud music from outside, a marching band. I see a parade of people and lanterns. I head downstairs. The brass band is playing away at frenzied speed, the drummers furiously pounding away. There's a guy on a horse, glittering like a raja, with money pinned to his vest. People are dancing. It is of course the start of a wedding.
I apologize, I feign jetlag, I wish the happy couple luck. I am invited back for the cousin's wedding next winter. I offer him my condolences and we joke for a while before he heads to the ballroom and I return to my room.
How can you not love people who are so warm and open?

Failal writes his experineces during March 2006:

Just had lunch, and as my two work colleagues always had something much different then mine I asked if I could have the same for my lunch but as the 'hotel's' do not have this food un-spicy one of my work colleagues offered theirs and they would eat something else. At first I could not accept and so they kept on offering and saying it was ok and that they wanted to eat something else so in the end I had to accept. Well their food was made by the mother so it certainly tasted good. It was enjoyable.
Thank you guys for making me feel so welcomed...

meganhprescott writes her experineces during Jan 2006:

One of the funniest things were the children that surrounded us on our camel journey. They all hoped to get a picture taken and meet the foreigners.

Oh, then we got a glimpse of the most incredible hotel in Agra. This was our second mission on the trip; visiting all the 5 star hotels in India but this one topped it all. It was absolutely beautiful and knew we needed an entrance ticket for admission but we walked in with our flip flops, day packs and t-shirts. At dusk we enjoyed a drink on the veranda which had a magnificent view of the Taj. A true Kodak moment.

photo-philosopher writes during his Jan-March 2006 trip:

Okay... Since I'm at it... my entry won't be good for the day if I haven't rant about how GORGEOUS Srinagar in Kasmir really is... Kashmir is simply wonderful... I went there during winter and was this place COLD!!! I mean, it's -10 degree celsius (or could have been even colder) at night!!!

Claire writes during his November 2005 trip:

Incredible India, that's what the brochures boast and so far our experience would not dispute this claim. Incredible, literally beyond belief, can have both positive and negative connotations. India is clearly a country of contrasts, from the sights (beautiful countryside vs. dusty, polluted cities) to the sounds (the rhythm of traditional music vs. incessant pleas from the begging masses) to the smells (the soothing aroma of chai or the savory smells of Indian food or the ever present, fragrant nag champa incense vs. the all-too-frequent wafts of human waste on the street). It is a land of extremes that takes you from exhilirating highs to sombering lows, at one moment lifting your spirits, at another knocking you down. An Irishman we met put it this way: "One minute, you'll have the biggest smile on your face. The next, all you want to do is escape from the bloody place..." Incredible India, indeed................Then back to Delhi to enjoy some wedding festivities. And festive they were. You've seen it on t.v., they aren't exaggerating. It was a truly extravagant event (and long, lasting into the wee hours of the evening), from the brides attire, to the horse that the groom rode in on, to the band, the massive spread of food, the colorful decor, and most of all the dancing.

John writes his experineces during March 2005:

Impressions of India are highly favourable (despite the hit-and-run attack of our Varanasi tuk-tuk driver on a cyclist, which was the only downside to the whole two weeks). I would definetely like to come back in the future here. The food was just incredible (I think a conservative estimate of one stone would be roughly the amount of weight I have put on in two weeks!). And believe it or not, my friends, I ate veggie (with the exception of one meal) for the entire two weeks - hope you are suitably impressed!

Kasia writes her living experiences during March 2005:

This is how my adventure in India goes. So far it has been an amazing time and I am looking forward to the next 10 months.
Holi Mubarak Ho, It is one of the most crazy festivals i ve seen. We stayed in our friend's Raj house in Bareilly. Very hospitable family, trying to show us as much Indian culture as possible i.e. for a moment i became an Indian bride as they put all the jewelery, clothes that the Indian bride has, on me - you have to see the picture. We prayed with them as well - puja in front of the house temple. In the evening they took us to the street party - neighouring house and as the tradition says we made a huge fire and they played colors. That was just the intro of Holi.
The next day from the very morning people were coming with dry or water colors and putting on us, starting from tikka - dot on the forehead to all over your body - literally everywhere. They wishing Holi Mubarak Ho, sharing sweets and dancing. Then you start the tour around the neighbours' houses and repeat all of it. The best part is that everyone is playing colors starting from kids to eldery people, everyone is colorful and the day becomes very joyful. Do see the pictures. So we had lots of fun, in the afternoon you wash yourself and your clothes, but some of the colors stay for a while.

yizong low his living experiences during March 2006:

Every lunch or dinner, curry will be served, be it Indian, sambal or mutton curry. Personally, I like mutton curry the most. It tastes so good even when it's cold and so tender and fresh when it's hot. Fish that is cooked doesn't taste fresh probably because they are stored for days already...Uniquely, the rice they cook doesn't stick together as they appear as fine grains. The tea/coffee/milk served there is fresh and tastes great! And the people who served us are on attachment basis, meaning they are university undergraduates studying hotel management. They are friendly, cheerful and speak a little bit of English. For meals, they always wore pressed shirts, pants with a tie. Unfortunately we don't get to enjoy curry every day. Out of all the days there, we had to endure eating combat rations for 5 days spread over the 2 whole weeks....before we left, another batch of students had arrived to take over the current one for attachment...

Kewl Nitrox writes his visit during March 2006

the contrast between the rich and the poor is pretty startling - the hotel is quaint and very well maintaned. Service is superb (bordering on intrusive), with a buttler call button in every room that works 24X7! Went to the gym while I was there and it was the 1st time ever in my life that someone comes up and offers me water and a COLD towel at the treadmill!

and I will continue this blog as I see some other comments.

Pointing the Negatives

2006-03-13T02:02:00.000+05:30

Everyday I see some news about terrorists, naxalites, etc. I feel, it is not wise to point out the problems with such people, rather, we can try to popularise the positivity in such people. This note is because, these days I have been believing that it is better not to point the negatives in the system (this blog is a reminder for me as well).

Raja

Infinite storage : a reality soon with Google's technology

2006-03-06T00:36:00.000+05:30

Great and unbelievable .. right: Please go on:

During Google's analyst's day:There was a presentation containing a possible service called GDrive. The details in the presentation indicate that Google's long term goal is to provide a service to users that give unlimited amounts of storage space so that any type of file can be uploaded and stored. The presentation even indicates the service may be built to allow user access to their files from any device, and any location. Store 100% of User Data With infinite storage, we can house all user files, including: emails, web history, pictures, bookmarks, etc and make it accessible from anywhere (any device, any platform, etc). We already have efforts in this direction in terms of GDrive, GDS, Lighthouse, but all of them face bandwidth and storage constraints today.

However, you can already have infinite storage thro the following way.

Using 3rd party utilities, it is possible to map your GMail account as a psuedo-drive in Windows and use the account as a drag-and-drop file system. With these tools, some users have even sent themselves invites to chain together accounts for an effectively unlimited amount of network storage space.

Raja
OSPIndia Information Security Private Limited (OSP Global, LLC)

Jobs in 2005

2006-02-12T21:21:00.000+05:30

According to some foreign news agency: Top jobs in 2006

Lawyer
Personal financial advisor
Sales manager
Management analyst
Computer and information systems manager
Financial manager
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agent
Marketing manager
Computer software engineer
Chiropractor
Postsecondary education administrator
Medical scientist
Market research analyst
Dentist
Medical and health services manager
Producers and directors
Financial analyst
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative
Engineering manager
Advertising and promotions manager
Compensation and benefits manager
Clinical, counseling, and school psychologist
Real estate sales agent
Training and development manager
Public relations manager

Raja

India centric data research company : be first to do so!

2006-02-12T20:02:00.000+05:30

There is a great oppertunity for data research companies in India like Gartner, Forrester, AMR, IDC.

Raja

India's Internet Industry : a flying story

2006-02-12T19:54:00.000+05:30

Dominant Players in Indian Internet industry are (by segment):

Portal (Rediff, Indiatimes, Sify, Yahoo, Google)
Matrimonial (Shaadi, Bharatmatrimony, Jeevansaathi, Timesmatri, Match)
Jobs (Naukri, Monster, Jobsahead, Jobstreet, Career Builder, Dice Cybermedia)
Travel (Yatra, Travelguru, Makemytrip, Traveljini, Indiatimes, Airdeccan, Travelocity)
Ticketing (IndianRailways, all airways)
Shares & Broking (IndiaBulls, Sharekhan, ICICI Direct, 5paisa, Kotak securities)
Payments (Billjunction)
Advertising (Google, Yahoo, Rediff, Indiatimes, Moneycontrol, Hungama, contests2win, Mediaturf and Traditional Media companies)
Music (HMV)
Auction/shoppping (Ebay, Rediff, Indiatimes)
Real Estate (Indiaproperty, 99acres)
Retail (Rediff, Indiatimes, eBay, Pantaloon)
B2B (Metaljunction, Agriwatch, Indiamart, TradeIndia)
Statistics/Data (Estatsindia)

But what is not yet looked into:
Education (info on university, institutes, schools, courses)
Traditional Medicine or Health
Automobile spares

Update: Cleartrip was shown as a leader earlier in this post. Though this company is yet to be started but it has grabbed KPCB venture funding. So in that sense it was presented here. Hrush pointed out this.

Raju Narayanaswamy : A "real hero" crushed by politicians

2006-02-06T00:47:00.000+05:30

I have cried after knowing the state of the country after reading about the once "hero" now crushed by corrupt politicians and this news made me to remember my duty towards the nation, that is, people.

RAJU NARAYANASWAMY IAS

First Rank in State in Secondary School Examination
First Rank in University in Plus Two
Tenth Rank in IIT Entrance Examination
First Rank in IITM BTech CS Examination
First Rank in IAS Entrance Examination
First Rank in IAS Training Institute

My research about this crushed "hero": Raju Naraynaswamy, IAS
---------------------------------------------------------
Now this brilliant acad and adminstrator left IAS service on leave because of the following reasons:

Rediff covers:
http://books.indiaabroad.com/news/2000/apr/13kerala.htm

Govt of Kerala says that he left the service on leave for 3 years. Following document says that:
http://kerala.gov.in/dept_genadmin/gradation_ias.pdf

and some blogs covering him can found here and here.

Raja

Andhra Pradesh professional courses intake

2006-01-16T06:46:00.000+05:30

This is a news I read during mid of 2005.

The Andhra Pradesh (an Indian state) boasts of a total of 252 engineering colleges (annual intake: 84,365 seats), 315 MCA colleges (16,700 seats), 219 MBA colleges (13,050 seats), 61 B Pharma colleges (3,600 seats), 29 medical colleges (3,818 seats), 14 dental colleges (1,280 seats), 331 B Ed Colleges (36,776 seats), 6 B Arch colleges (210 seats) and 13 Agriculture, Veterinary and Home Science colleges (991 seats).

Raja

10 rules to manage your boss

2005-12-16T06:50:00.000+05:30

Are you struggling to manage your boss, if read the rediff article.

Bombay, Bangalore infrastructural problem and solution

2005-12-13T20:27:00.000+05:30

I usually find Mumbai being digged out again and again repeatedly by number of different ISPs. Due to this, traffic becomes a huge problem. Instead of these companies digging out, why dont BMC consider one time act of becoming wireless like Arizona.

Raja
OSP India Information Security Private Limited (OSP Global, LLC)

Google Analytics : Strategic advantage to both Google & website owners

2005-11-17T05:26:00.000+05:30

As usual, Google has released another 'unexpected' new service "Google Analytics".

Ofcourse Google has huge amount of database of keywords connected to the sites. But Google's brilliant idea (rather Urchin's, the company bought out by Google) is that they wish to connect the websites with keywords which were through by other websites like Yahoo, MSN, etc.

Once again, Google's game is : provide service for the benifit of user and in a way benifitting itself. Using the same model it has defeated every player in its core business that is 'search'. As a Googler, I once again hope that Google continue to provide such services to benifit 'me' (user).

Raja
OSP India Information Security Private Limited

Future of Matrimonial search process

2005-11-13T17:26:00.000+05:30

Past few months, whenever I start to think of my marriage, I had to think about how will I get a girl of my choice (that is, rural development minded, however my requirement is irrelevant here). I have started to understand the merits and demerits of current system. First I will discuss how things are happening right now and later we will see how there will be a paradigm shift from the current scenario.

Indian traditional system surely not applicable in this IT age because these days people do stay away from their parents (far distant locations). Telecon, Chatting, e-mails will be of little help in continuing this centuries old system. So why ..

There is a phenomenal rise of Matrimonial sites in India (they were even successful during dot-com bust). They are just a replica of Indian traditional system of marriage brokers in this electronic arena. Important thing to note here is, they are just helpful to dig out a girl based on age, caste, religion, education, profession. However observe that this is only initial elimination process.

Actual process starts when communication happens. Demerit of this is that one cant decide a life partner just by asking some questions or qualifications or expertise over telecon or chatting. To have a lifetime relationship, critical thing is to understand the background (history) of the partner in regards of interests, relations, interactions, beliefs, etc.

So now the question is that, what is the media that allows a person to get the background of another, before making the crucial decision of ones own life. Yes, you must have understood by now. This blog-site of mine covers a very restricted domain. This particular blog also fits into it, very perfectly. It is "Googling" of that person. It really helps us get to know the more closer details. Future of matrimonial process is in googling (or researching) the partner.

One can understand the other persons feelings by reading his/her blogs. Then next is to check for comments that (s)he makes in communities such as orkut or gazzag. However, one should not fall by profile information. Profiles are usually to express positive things of a person but never reveals negative aspect of a person. This is crucial when in building a relation without a break (be aware that gone are the days, when divorces are so rare).

One must evaluate from the discussion point of view how well (s)he truly represent her/his profile. In this regard, blogs, comments in blogs, comments in web-news, comments in websites, issues raised in orkut type of communities, the kind of social network, etc are to be analysed in comparison with profiles in business networking sites, personal website, social networking websites, etc.

and then, if everything goes well, after getting married, I personally believe that they must exchange their mail ids (reveal the passwords) to let each other know more closer.

However there is a negative shade of this. Before being googled by the other, one can do auto-googling and eliminate/ modify any controversial topics discussed by him/her. But then, not all can be deleted. This is where the searcher has to put his brain at work.

Although I vaguely expressed my view points here, but I will discuss in detail some other point of time. Probably when I am successful in my own search, I will disclose all of my strategies that I have applied :-) .

Raja
OSP India Information Security Private Limited

Are you wishing to avoid spam?

2005-11-13T17:12:00.000+05:30

When one create an e-mail, it is likely that one wishes to have by his name. However it is better not to have by name. Because it straightly attracts huge amount of spam.

One can always know by looking at subject whether it is spam or intended message, if one keeps e-mail ids such as some english words (eg. blueeye, blacklooks, visit.me, interested etc) . Because those sapmmers use their programs to send message by referring sender by his e-mail id. Whereas human does never.

Another thing is never subscribe to services to such as free greetings, free namesdatabase, etc. Instead you maintain one mail id which only attracts spam. However you can give your mail id to established organizations such as Google, Yahoo, MSN etc.
Crucial thing is : always let your friends know what is your fwd (greetings) mails id and personal mail id (wherein just personal communications happens).

To be contd..

Raja
OSP India Information Security Private Limited (OSP Global, LLC)

Free Computers for Rural Communities and select individuals

2005-11-12T14:29:00.000+05:30

Recent announcement by AsiaTotal.net is rather very surprising.

Although it has not received media attention as expected, but I believe it will be a sensational news within few days.

First of all, is it a viable business model? Although Ms. Chen (CEO, Asiatotal.net) is silent in this regard, some curious observers predicted the following.

This model could work -- but it might be difficult to attract the required sponsorship. Some Russian companies might be willing to pay up to $10 per computer annually to attract users from the targeted demographic to their sites. If Asiatotal.net could attract such companies for each of the 10 buttons, it would earn $500 over the maximum lifespan of the average PC, more than covering the cost of the lowest PCs currently on the market.

Will it explode like 1GB free e-mail service? If so, we will see radical changes in society towards computing. Then it means that we have seen only a fraction of IT revolution till date.

Please see further into this issue

Raja
http://www.isical.ac.in/~malapati_r/
OSP India Information Security Private Limited (OSP Global, LLC)

My japan visit and experiences

2005-09-16T08:57:00.000+05:30

This is written after my return to Tsukuba from conf at Maiko (near Kobe) ..

About the bullet train ;
I came to know that there is no direct train other than this bullet train. otherwise I need to travel by rapid city train (one city to another .. thus breaking my journey but with a single ticket). This bullet train has no special except that it goes fast (270 KM average speed).

Visit location Maiko is very close to beach. There is a bridge (on sea) to an island. I came to know that this sea bridge leading to a small island from which there is an another sea based bridge to a bigger island and this second bridge is the longest sea based bridge. I could take few photos of the first bridge.

Good things in japan (observed during my trip):

at every railway platform: they keep iron bars for safetly so that people can't cross more than certain extent.

To make blind people walk by themselves .. they kept some kind of marking everywhere ..

they keep mirrors on every turning .. so while crossing u observe mirror and cross.

parking : is not a problem at japan although there are too many people have cars .. they have many many differnt parking styles .. taken by camera.

for the protection of tsunami .. they kept some kind of different shaped stones. taken photos.

highways have some metal walls both sides .. surprisingly they are absorbing the sound and thus not disturbing the people who live close to highways ..

highways are constructed very rapidly .. part by pat .. they are constructed initially at some distant place and join together while putting the road ..

roads are fully utilized .. no space is wasted like in india .. footpath for walking persons cyclers is clearly given everywhere .

tokyo has no pollution at all .. when compared to least pollutant city chennai in india.

parking seem to be no problem .. even when every second person has a car here ..

there is no obessity problem like in US or UK or india .. I could see only one person till now who is fat (during a month long visit) ..

people are not too much religious . . but they do follow religious things ..

people are exceptionally kind .. so far I could not find any "less kind person" ..
----------------

japanese eat raw fish with so much interest .. fish is their main food .. I heard that they are main portion of total fish consumption of the world.

one business man told me that "with small human capital much profits is the goal of any japanese company"

I came to conclusion regarding indians living abroad why they dont be helpful to others. In most cases the aim of settling abroad is to earn money and save somehow and send to india. Since these people are moneyminded .. they dont behave as usual like in india. I had few very
very bad occurances already with indians over here.
----------------

On sunday I went out of my hotel for some time (but close to my hotel .. ) I was exteremely sad when I came to know the difference beween developed nation and a developing nation. I saw the typical rural places of japan and compared with india. Every house (one in 2 persons of total populaion) has a car .. almost enjoing all kinds of facilities many times more than urban people in india like mumbai or delhi or kolkata or chennai. Taken few photos. With a sad mood,
returned back to lab.
---------------
Today my most exciting experience happened. There was a minor quake of (little more than what I had during in chennai a few years ago!)

The real surprise is: I was in the fourth floor and went down to Ground floor (to see japanese reaction a quake whether people come out of their building). Surprise came here: people were very in very usual manner. Then I felt, may be in ground floor, people do not know. That also is a wrong estimation. One woman asked me whether I felt quake or not.

Now why they were taking casual : either quakes are too common to ignore or they are that much interested in doing work. Latter reason too convincing me from my past experiences.

I went to a italian restarent. I had CauliFlower pickle. Pickle mean keeping in salt. I see no other added. Sweet Corn (really very sweet) and Muttor I had. People over here could locate japanese vegetarian restarent near by, where we will go on tomorrow

(Written in last japan trip)

Indian Media is crazy!

2005-02-24T11:20:00.000+05:30

When I was looking into news after quite a long time .. there was very very crazy news by "great Indian media" that one Uttar Pradesh XI student (Saurabh) topped NASA exam "International Scientist Discovery" which was taken by 200,000 students world over.

As soon as I see this news I wanted to confirm such news. So how??

in google : "International Scientist Discovery"
why?? to know such exam exists at all. Then I found many many results covering above news appeared. I wanted to exclude above news (but wanted only about such test). So

"International Scientist Discovery" -india -indian -saurabh

Then, as expected no result. So it is clear that this news is fraud. Only one minute to check this news. But for media, even now they are still crazy and I see many many new NEWS still spreading out.

I hope GOD save indian media.

Raja

Things to take while leaving for foreign country

2005-01-15T07:15:00.000+05:30

I wanted to search for a webpage which gives me info what things an indian need to take when he leaves for a foreign country. I gave following keywords to reach to a good site.

pickle masala admission shirts pants

why?? pickle is the best way to avoid cooking. Masala is used for cooking. Admission: problem comes only for newly admitted students. Shirts and pants are must while leaving. Cool .. right??!!

Security Link

2005-01-09T09:55:00.000+05:30

I tried to search for a security related govt body link (other than given in http://www.isical.ac.in/~malapati_r/indcrypt/govt.html) whihc few months back I came accross. But I could not get any link as I dont remember the name of the organization. I have seen in NAS. I searched for

site:www.fas.org raw

.. which gave directly indian RAW. From which I went to the index of india and found it (National Technical Facilities Organisation).

2005-01-06T23:36:00.000+05:30

I have come back after a long time to this great site. Hopingly I will continue forever.

I have to update my crypto links (http://www.isical.ac.in/~malapati_r/crypt.html).
I never updated Malapati's Cryptopath (http://www.isical.ac.in/~malapati_r/cryptopath.html) after its creation. (although I claimed that that file regularly updated). I dont know when I will look at (edit).

In between I have seen a wonderful site on Japan VISA details. In google to get this site: I used : "what is a visa" site:jp

Twofish algorithm is implemented by B.Schenier. He kept in his site. My friend was searching for it "Twofish block cipher" .. but could not locate the program. Then I searched for Twofish. It came as first result. It is due the reason that program of twofish is very very popular .. should have been linked many sites. So it may have good rank.

2004-06-19T09:30:00.000+05:30

http://www.isical.ac.in/~malapati_r/crypt.html
In the above website, I modified all indian cryptography/cryptology/security/cryptanalysis activities.

Raja
Malapati Raja Sekhar's Homepage

2004-03-29T17:16:00.000+05:30

This site is really cool.

Raja5:16PM