Curious Connections

 What use does the board in front of the Village Office or a Govt office serve? Most village offices have ta printed notice at the entrance: Anti Corruption something.... Do not give or take money as bribe or something of that sort! What is the use of it, when it's all just on paper!  What else can we use that real estate space for public interest?  What about a faq list, which contains the common questions people have about the services of the office? This kind of notice with helpful reply will be of constant use! Also, attach a QR code at the end of it, so that a person can scan it and get to know a big list on the website where it will provide detailed Q&N about the functions and how each service could be availed. Here put each of the answer in common man's words! No official wordings or unclear instructions!

 Today in the morning mass, priest was sharing the story of Herod! As I was listening to him, thought of the connection with Herod and Kamsa!  And, here's the answer from ChatGPT! Here are the similarities between the stories of Kamsa in Hindu texts and Herod in the Bible ordering the killing of infants: Prophecy of a Threat to the Throne Kamsa: A prophecy foretells that Kamsa will be killed by the eighth child of his sister, Devaki. Herod: Wise men (Magi) inform Herod of the birth of a new king, Jesus, threatening his rule. Fear and Paranoia of the Ruler Both rulers react with extreme fear and paranoia upon learning about a child who could potentially overthrow them. Mass Killing of Infants Kamsa: Orders the killing of all infants born to Devaki and imprisons her to ensure the prophecy doesn’t come true. Herod: Orders the massacre of all male children under the age of two in Bethlehem to eliminate the prophesied "King of the Jews." Divine Intervention Kamsa: Krishna, the...

 This post is based on my frustration of getting some amount from the Govt coffers! Yes, I was waiting for the govt handouts and I was in dire straits as my cash balance has dwindled to the scrap bottom of the pile. Somehow, what I thought about the timeline of getting approval got delayed, and delayed! Some freaking stories, confusion!  What better way to clear the confusion as to the rules than to get an AI chat box to answer all the freaking questions!  Also, another consideration that go on In the labyrinth of government offices, the seemingly insignificant role of the "paper pusher" often wields disproportionate power. These petty clerks, with their self-important demeanor, control the movement of files from one desk to another, turning bureaucracy into an unending wait for the common citizen. Their reluctance to expedite processes, coupled with the rigid hierarchy & rules of government offices, creates a system where progress is stalled at every step. Well, I re...

  Septage Collection Vehicle I just googled to see the meaning of the word septage and its malayalam translation. What if they mention these as a sub heading.  സെപ്റ്റിക് ടാങ്കിൽ അടങ്ങിയിരിക്കുന്നതോ അതിൽ നിന്ന് നീക്കം.....  Or this... We remove waste material from the septic tank.( Call us today at Septage Collection Control Room  94964 34488 in Thiruvananthapuram

  Kochi Municipal Corporation Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Pune Municipal Corporation Kanpur Municipal Corporation Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC)  Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM/BMC) Vijayawada Municipal Corporation  Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Mysuru City Corporation Coimbatore Municipal Corporation Chennai Corporation Municipal Corporation Phone Number(s) Email Address(es) Website URL Kochi Municipal Corporation General: +91-484-2369007 Mayor: cochinmayor@gmail.com https://kochicorporation.lsgkerala.gov.in/ Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) General: +91-33-2286-1000 (28 Lines) Not specified https://www.kmcgov.in/ Pune Municipal Corporation Not specified Not specified https://www.pmc.gov.in/ Kanpur Municipal Corporation Not specified Not specified https://kmc.up.nic.in/ Ahmedaba...

  Septage Vechile parked near Medical College Other day I went out for a morning walk and while returning home I saw this yellow mini-lorry parked by the road side. The QR code on the lorry ignited my curiosity. I was thrilled to see an idea which I was thinking for a long time.  How come our city corporation introduced this concept? Who's brain child is this QR code on the lorry? But, why did they not keep the phone numbers?  A Fresh Take on QR Codes in Civic Services Seeing a QR code on a septage vehicle owned by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation was a pleasant surprise. It’s a commendable step towards integrating technology into public services. However, I believe this initiative could become even more impactful with a few enhancements. Make Contact Effortless While QR codes are convenient, adding a quick contact number or WhatsApp details would be a game-changer. It provides an alternative for those who might face difficulties scanning QR codes, ensuring accessibilit...

 Introduction to After-School Programs After-school programs provide children with structured activities and learning opportunities outside regular school hours. These programs focus on holistic development by offering a blend of academic support, life skills, and extracurricular activities. They are especially beneficial in shaping well-rounded individuals, keeping children engaged in meaningful pursuits, and equipping them with skills that traditional curricula might not cover. In Kerala, after-school programs can have a transformative impact. They can address gaps in education by introducing real-world skills, reducing the screen time of children, and fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Such programs can also empower children to become confident and community-minded individuals, bridging the gap between academics and practical life applications. 12 Things an After-School Program Can Teach Kids Cooking and Healthy Eating Teach basic cooking skills and the ...

 I was reading this article from Long Reads. This article dwels on the creation of Blue Zone areas wehre they replicate life habits, activities which can replicate the life expectancy of people as in Blue Zones.  One of the point about Blue Zones is the  sense of purpose and belonging. In this context, I wonder how can we create societal engagement and build a purpose and belonging among those in Kerala and also people who are residing outside of Kerala. Building A Purpose and Belonging  Creating a society in Kerala where people have a stronger sense of purpose and belonging, while addressing the migration of young people and fostering connections with those settled abroad, requires a holistic and innovative approach. Here are 7 ways to achieve this goal: 1. Foster Community Participation through Local Initiatives Encourage people to engage in projects that directly impact their community, such as: Reviving Anganwadi schools: Partner with local artists, architec...

Artistic expression  Indian railway platforms are bustling hubs that millions traverse daily. Leveraging a small part of this space to showcase the work of local artists—be it paintings, photography, or other visual arts—can transform these spaces into vibrant cultural corners. Here’s an expanded idea, highlighting benefits, examples, and a call to action: Benefits of Art Displays on Railway Platforms Cultural Enrichment: Infuse platforms with local artistic traditions, contemporary styles, or thematic displays. Create an environment of exploration, learning, and connection through art. Also, each railway station can make a list of local artists segmented by genre. It can be kept as a poster with a QR code. On scanning the code, it will take to a page on irctc site where there will be more information about the artist, contact information, their portfolio.  Also, those who are into teaching art, will have details of their lessons, duration, etc. Platform for Local Talent: Offe...

 I'm not much sure of of the story of Jaguar brand's new avatar! It seems like, it's going for a full-on, rebuilding, re-imagining the brand.  Electric Phase of Jaguar! Looking at the scheme of things around the development and future of electric vehicles, it's quite evident that there's no future for gas based cars! At least, in the mid-range sector! So, the question we have in mind is this - Is this too early for the make-over. Or is it, better to go for a full-on change early one, without waiting for the inevitable change! Finally, what do you think of this makeover? Will this improve their odds of success, considering the fact that the technology ridden world that is hard to predict and evolving! Also, a suggestion I was thinking - What if Jaguar makes a bold attempt to give unprecedented customization feature in each car, based on individual buyer! What if they provide some 30 odds things that could be fixed or changed inside of the car - from retro looks, or a...

Catering to a Niche Audience  Reading a blog post from Non-obvious Blog, there was this post about eating different types of fruits on each day! Oh, that sounds cool! So, I was wondering which fruit store in Trivandrum has such a combination? None!  Don't you think it would be a great opportunity to tap a niche market where a fruit seller can make a fruit box filled with exotic ( imported and desi) fruits. Well, it's meant for all but for those who are willing to spend high, and enjoy fresh, variety of fruits that are not available everywhere! How's this fruit box idea? Try it it if you're a fruit seller, or a person who likes fruits and who can do the selling from home! How about an online fruit store which ships such combo to customers across India! Sounds good! Curious Konnections P.S - I remember one fruit shop down Brigade Road in B'lore which used to have exotic fruits which I was unfamilar of. Also, three was a fruit fragrace from the fruits as we walk past t...

Fresh Underwear To People   I liked the concept of Second Chances and wish someone here brings similar concept to life. I remember the time I had to live with few underwear. Meaning, I have to be careful to check if I'm getting fresh ones to wear on a daily basis. Well, it was not very less, though. Still, the cycle of washing the used underwear, drying it and then getting it back to my closet (cupboard) will take its own time. So, I didn't have much reserve undies in hand. However, Covid changed everything. I had the money to buy a dozen more to the collection. From that time on, I hardly ever run out of fresh ones, even on days when I change around 3 underwear in a day!  Blessing of Having choices  When we have a certain blessing, why don't we think of the people around who are not so fortunate of having such choices. It could be underwear or basic clothes, or a shelter, or a job or an income for studies or holiday or to buy fresh bed sheet or a space...whate...

Navara fish - Pink Perch Price List at a fish store in Trivandrum   Two days back I went to this store to buy fish for our daily use. One thing, I often feel when I look at the price list is this - where is the price of the fish I want. As the names are scattered around, I have to look all around to spot it.  So, today I was thikning of another way to record the list. What if they do some basic caterory so that the regular folks like me can easily find the price without looking all around. For example, they can group pricy ones on the top. Fishes like neymeen ( king fish), Moda (coiba) , Pomfret and Choora ( tuna), etc.  Next they can have a list of prawns, crabs etc ( Group these in another segment - Add a bit of humour too - blistering barnacles...)   And a third list, which has all the low budget ones to mid range ones - mathi, ayila and other varieties.  At least by making three or four groups, we can instantly reach the information without scanning fro...

 Prisoners in countries like the United States, Japan, and several European nations are often engaged in creating various crafts and goods, emphasizing eco-friendliness and utility. Here are examples of items they produce and their distribution channels: Items Produced Eco-Friendly Goods: Inmates craft items like reusable bags, wooden furniture, and hand-sewn quilts​ PRISON FELLOWSHIP .Artisan Products: Products include leather goods, crocheted blankets, knitted caps, and intricate paintings​ .Specialized Items: In the U.S., inmates manufacture Braille textbooks, military uniforms, and even fiberglass canoes​ Food and Beverages: Programs like the "Second Chance Coffee" in Illinois train former inmates to roast specialty coffee​ Distribution Channels Direct Sales: Some programs sell items through prison-operated websites or gift shops. Partnerships: Organizations partner with nonprofits or local businesses to market products. For example, Japan's correctional facilities ...

 Dotspace Business Centre Location: Cloud 9, 9th Cross Rd, above Starbucks, Avenue Road, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Kerala 682036 Contact: +91 94473 25886 GreenNest Coworking Space Location: Giringar Housing Colony, Giri Nagar, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020 Contact: +91 95449 06301 Wbb Office Location: JC Chamber, Building No V8, 60/49, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Kerala 682036 Contact: +91 85898 80002 BEYOND COWORKING Location: 90 A, Canal Road South, Giri Nagar, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020 Contact: +91 83300 59544 KUBZ KOCHI Location: Jos Annex, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Jos Junction, Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala 682015 Contact: +91 99611 28688 La Finest Spaces Location: Parakottu Towers, Club Rd Girinagar, Giringar Housing Colony, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020 Contact: +91 85474 06151 Wee Spaces Location: Palal Tower, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Ravipuram, Perumanoor, Kochi, Kerala 682016 Contact: +91 92071 89111 Cove Workspaces Location: Kakkanad, Kochi Contact:  Kssia Technocity ...

 This is from his blog - https://seths.blog/ . Today's post is a practical suggestion about things to do before owning a biz, or choosing an house, or planning to start marketing. Well, it applies to anything from taking a job, working in a company, or about getting a life partner, etc.  I extended this concept with the help of gen AI. Check what it looks like: The Value of "Trying Before Committing": Learning by Doing in Five Life Scenarios Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of understanding a choice deeply before committing. By immersing yourself in the relevant experience, you gain insight, avoid regrets, and make better decisions. Here’s how this approach applies to five different life scenarios: 1. Before Buying an Apartment: Spend Time Living in the Area Why? Buying an apartment is a significant investment. Spending time in the neighborhood—living there temporarily if possible—helps you understand its daily rhythm, conveniences, and drawbacks. Practical Step Rent ...

 This is now trending. A video shows a TTR doing CPR on a man who suffered heart attack. So, now there are many discussion online about the way it's done, etc.  So, what's the lessons we can take on the positive light: 1. Train all Village Officers and the staff on how to do CPR. This also applies to Police Constables, Fire Force, Ambulance Drivers       ( Conduct regular retraining so that they get to retrain and get the process to memory) 2. Train all TTR's and other key railway officials on how to do CRP.      Also at every railway station, all key people should learn to CPR.  3. Give training to high school students on how CPR ( Practical training using dummy)     Each school should be given couple of dummy to practice it! Also, video should be shown how to do CPR correctly. More input from ChatGPT: High School Students: United States: CPR training is mandatory for high school graduation in 38 states and Washington, D.C. St...

 This post was written based on what I read from this article -  How to Improve Customer Experience with AI: 3 Strategies for Success So, here's what the whole idea mesh up together for improving public service through the use of AI chatbox in e-district portal! Current Challenge Reena, a resident of Kochi, wants to apply for a Marriage Certificate through the eDistrict portal. However, she faces several issues: She doesn't know the exact list of documents required. She is confused about the application process timeline. Her application is delayed because her uploaded document was rejected for being in the wrong format. Without 24x7 support, Reena has to wait for office hours to call the helpline or visit the local government office to resolve these issues. Solution with AI-Powered 24x7x365 Chatbot Step 1: Routine Query Resolution At 9:30 PM, Reena visits the eDistrict portal and clicks on the chatbot icon. She types: "What documents do I need to apply for a marriage certi...

 The eDistrict Kerala portal is a vital platform for citizens to apply for government services like birth, death, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, Nativity Certificate, One and the Same Certificate, Location Certificate, Community Certificate, Residence Certificate, Relationship Certificate, Family Membership Certificate, Non-ReMarriage Certificate, and many more. ( Source : ) . However, many users face challenges such as rules, language barriers, difficulty understanding procedures, and delays in obtaining information.  Integrating an AI chatbot into the portal can revolutionize the user experience, enhancing efficiency and productivity for both citizens and government staff. ( I had earlier written a post about smart e-district with automation) Scenario: User Interaction with the eDistrict AI Chatbot Step 1: User Query Ramesh, a resident of Trivandrum, wants to apply for a Caste Certificate. He visits the eDistrict portal but is unsure of the steps involved. Clicking o...

 Libraries in Trivandrum, like the Public Library at Palayam and University Library, are treasure troves of knowledge hubs but are often underutilized due to modern distractions. I remember going through regularly to Public Library at Palayam, when I was in school. I was happy browsing through comic books, sitting on those little stools and chairs. After I completed my schooling, I tried to set foot inside that section. But, once a staff said, it's meant for kids. And, that stopped my visits to that sweet heaven spot! Also, I fondly remember the time I used to visit British Library when it was functioning at YMCA compound!  Libraries Need to Evolve with the Times! I wonder if a young person in their 20's living in Trivandrum now has been to Public Library! With the rise of mobile phone, young people have more distraction and knowledge in their fingertips! Why all the hassles of going to a library to browse!  This is when we need to plan a new process!   By evolv...

 This post is based on similar other post which I saw elsewhere! I've added few points to make it more localized and practical to Kearla people. Why Copy Habits from Korea? Korean culture is often admired for its discipline, community spirit, and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are seven habits from Korea that people in Kerala can incorporate into their public and personal lives for better living and societal growth. 1. Respect for Elders Description: Koreans place a strong emphasis on respecting elders, which is deeply rooted in their Confucian traditions. Bowing, addressing elders formally, and prioritizing their comfort are everyday practices. Practical Use in Kerala: Start addressing elders with respect in social and family settings. Encourage younger generations to engage with grandparents, learning from their wisdom. In public spaces, create separate spaces and convenient seating for elders, or parks for elders with pathways, signage about exercises suitable for them, provide...

 This is another KSRTC plan! This time, it's too crazy, maniacal plan! Or, let's say it's just a daydream!  So, what prompted me to write this!  Every time I pass by or see these buses, I feel overwhelmed with many emotions. Primarily, I feel, it as a white elephant! Any doubts about it!  There are the trigger points for me! 1. VENAD buses - Bulky buses, with uneven body 2 MARCOPOLO - These are huge! Wonder how much diesel it drinks in every trip! 3. KSRTC bus depots - Broken down, shabby, smelly urinal, vendors taking over extra space, conductors and drivers with meager facility for taking rest! Wish it changes for the better!  What did I think?  Well, I thought If I was a millionaire, or a billionaire, I would take dath ( adopt) this corporation. And then do a massive revamping.  Firstly - I will discard all or at least ninety percent of buses and replace it with electric ones. Next, I would demolish most bus depots and construct modern, functioning...

 Well, I think I'm kind of a noticer. I notice the right things, the wrong things, and everthing around. One thing for sure, I notice too many things, esp when I step inside a stationery shop or a shop which I feel there can be something unique to buy or find.  Talking about buying stuffs, I remember going to a stationery shop called Continetal Books which was near Over Bridge Junction. So, every month when I get my salary, I make it a point to visit this shop to buy something or the other. Probably, I end up buying a pen, a book mark, or stapler or stapler pins, etc. As I write this now, I get the vivid memories of this big shop with lines of books and in one corner on the left side was the stationery shelf.  Somewhere behind, there were couple of hardbound books on sexuality, kamasutra and similar topics. And, I would spend time broswing through those books.  Next shopping stop would be Piaco near GPO junction. Here I mostly used to buy Cassettes. Just one cassette...

Suggest two recipes for a beginner baker. I had asked copiolt for a recipe and in an AI style, I got it in a jiffy.  That's awesome! Welcome to the world of baking. Here are two beginner-friendly recipes that are both fun and delicious : Btw, I was planning to do banana bread recipe and now, I gotta try this recipe.  1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons hot water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Instructions: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to the batter along with salt. Stir in flour and chocolate chips. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are ni...