Rooturaj's Blog

With the much talked about Bhuvan – Earth Observation visualization tool by Indian Space Research Organization I finally thought I would give a try. I would share with my readers my experience with the tool. My overall opinion is that Bhuvan is the best deep technology public software ever made by an Indian organization.

As with most of the things that belongs to the Govt. of India the website lacks a high degree of professionalism. There is no dedicated site as yet. I had to Google up and finally arrived at http://bhuvan2.nrsc.gov.in . I use Firefox 3.5.2 and after downloading direct X and the plugin that are required for using Bhuvan I registered myself. It was impressive that already 0.23 million users have registered. But non of the ASP links of online Bhuvan software would open on Firefox. It is, I believe, a Firefox issue as I could follow the links on IExplorer. The features as described on the homepage are quite inviting and promise things much better than wikimapia or google earth. So the question arises – Can it out perform these popular Earth Visualization tools?

It does not seem likely that any thing like this could happen soon with the low level errors that are browser related. If you cannot open the application how do can you even comment if its good? Even on IE 7 the application did not load properly the first time. When I searched for a location on the search box on the right it threw back JavaScript errors. I had to reload it a couple of times to load it successfully.

Taluks and Twons Layer - Images from Bhuvan

Once the application starts and you get a hang of the features it is definitely a lot advanced and options packed than its competitors. It does have the material to beat Google and Wikimapia. Only that a higher professional handling is solicited. Once I zoomed in on Mumbai the loading speed decreased gradually.I could not get the details I was expecting. Just before the house level the image tiles did not load. I would like to highlight some features that can beat Google and Wikimapia. You have options to add layers. There are layers for towns, villages, districts, taluks, watersheds and lot more. You can fly around a city of landscape – a feature I liked pretty much. Then there are features like Navigation Map, Time Series, Photos which are very useful and very attractive. I would recommend you take a look for yourself and comment back here.

Here are some snapshots from the software. (Source : bhuvan2.nrsc.gov.in)

Zooming on Nariman Point Mumbai on Bhuvan

Indian Earth Observation Visualization - Image form Bhuvan

Zooming on Mumbai on Bhuvan

Navigation Map Feature - If you are stuck on the real world map

Here are the requirements running Bhuvan software on you browser.
Get directX 9 then download the plugin.
You need to register here before using it.

Through official Adsense updates, the publishers were today introduced to a new opportunity of generating ad revenue and maximizing ad space utilization. Google is teaming up with internet advertising companies to show display ads through its own network. These ads will compete with Adwords advertisers over the same bidding methodology and content targeting algorithm.

What does the Publisher gain form this?

Well since there are more ads there will be more competition and ultimately the bid price will go up to keep the advertiser in display all the time. That directly converts into higher CPC rates. But we are more concerned about the CPM rates. Since these are display ads, those who have high traffic volume but lesser CTR could benefit form this. CPM or cost per 1000 impressions is the amount you get when your page loads 1000 times with the add appearing on it. Even though there are no clicks you still get the revenue. Big brands who are particularly concerned about a brand image use these ads. But it is not limited to brand promotion only. Image ads are known to deliver higher CTR (click through rates)

When will this be effective?

Google says this won’t be effective immediately. It will be implemented slowly over a period of time. As more third party publishers get verified and added to the ad stream revenue differences will start to show in our accounts.
Currently publishers in Europe and North America will be able to enjoy the benefits while the rest will have to wait for this opportunity.

You might be interested in the following links.(Reference)
requirements for third-party ad serving
http://adsense.blogspot.com/2008/05/introducing-third-party-ads-on-google.html

If you have more than 200 followers on twitter who tweet regularly then I am sure it would be a herculean task for you to keep track of your friends tweets. Assuming every friend posts only 5 tweets a day that a whooping 1000 tweets per day. If you are not virtually living on twitter all the time tracking these status updates would a very difficult. Particularly when you are highly interested in the updates from a close circle of friends or technology experts. You cannot keep expanding the time line for ever to trace those tweets. This is where we need features like the friends list option on FaceBook.

If you are not a FaceBook fan then let me tell you it is a feature where you can choose a smaller group of friends and assign them a name. So next time you want updates of this particular group then selecting the same will hide all other updates form your other friends who do not belong to this group/list. Pretty easy to keep track of things. Easy to separate business relation from family. Easy to separate local friends form international contacts. You could even have a list of “hot babes” and “kool dudes”. Take a look at my Facebook wall below. To the left you can see some lists highlighted with red arrows.

Friend lists on FaceBook

But this is only on Facebook. How much do I wish a similar feature be provided by Twitter!! It would make things a hell more easier to manage. And this is why I say – “Twitter should provide Tweet Flocks like Facebook List“

I have been working as the TL for IT section of an Canadian travel chain. I learn new things about great destinations, cultures and people every day. I have not seen the world by I know lots about international and Indian destinations. I like the travel field.

Today I would like to share with you some of my experiences in Travel Industry which are not some thing I cherish. Let me introduce you to a particular travel outlet in New Delhi , right next to our India office where I work. This company does not have a name. They are called “Tourist Information Office”. That sounds like a government undertaking, right? So here starts a series of malpractices and negative marketing strategies to dupe foreign travelers to India . This company, “tourist information office”, has its goons, or executives as they prefer to call them, roaming the city scouting for foreign tourists. They have some attractive schemes for Auto Rickshaw drivers and cabbies. Any one who brings them a, scapegoat (read client) gets a commission. In the office expert goons brainwash and convince foreigners to buy tour packages or accommodation or transport at exorbitant rates. We call such people “Lapkas” or “Grabbers” and their practice is referred to as the “Lapka Trade”.

Unethical Travel Agents Harassing foreign tourists in India

Here is their typical modus operandi. In case you are not so familiar with such tricks and are planning a trip to India I hope this information will help you. You would save a lot more than just money.
I did mention the goons (Lapkas) who prowl the city looking for scapegoats(clients). Now these goons/guide/travel-gurus whatever avatar they may be in are pure idiots with barely some education and absolutely no ethics. They have a typical way of dressing that they feel is kool. It is a characteristic tight fighting dressing, a stylish (read weird) haircut, goatees and outrageous side burns, some imitation chains and bracelets and similar other accessories. Some of them are fluent speakers though most can just manage to string sentences in English together. Once in a restaurant one such guide asked me to help him find “Khajuraho” on the guests guidebook.

Loitering around , they would be keenly watching public spaces like Railway Stations, Restaurants, Markets etc. Once they see a non Indian guy or couple or group they would just pretend to be walking casually alongside them for some time or they will cross from behind and then double back before exchanging some greetings. “Hello Mam”, “Hi Friends”, “Hey dude” what ever they have mugged up. They start asking all shorts of question about your lodging, travel, places of interest with an occasional praise for your country or your shoes or hair style. One way of identifying such a Lapka from the conversation is to start some intellectual discussion. This gets them impatient and they would probably tell you that they can take you to a travel information office for more information. This is nothing but the Lapka headquarter where they are waiting for scapegoats like you. If you have already booked your hotel then these travel goons will remark bluntly that you have made a wrong choice and you should change the hotel immediately.

If you get into the trap and reach the “Lapka head quarters” I don’t think any one can help you further. They would sell you tour packages at exorbitant rates and force destinations upon you. You would completely forget your travel plans and end up wasting a lot of hard earned cash. I see them abusing tourists in open. Even though you would be sitting right next to them they would be talking ill and disrespectful of their guests in their local dialect. I warn ladies especially to be alert and avoid such people as you could be looted off more than money.

I hate such people as they bring shame to the nation and ill reputation to our business. There are quite a few of them in popular travel destinations across. We follow the principle of “Athithi Devo Bhava” that means “Guest is God” and such unethical practices are a disgrace to our motto. If you share the great Indian spirit and want to help spread the message then share or email this article.

Image Credits:
www.annonline.com/delhi-travel-guide/gifs/cannught-place.jpg and mooncostumes.com

I was just checking out a news piece on the level of software piracy in India. But I was not surprised to know that software piracy in India is as high as 73% when compared to 23% in US. You would not be surprised either. [Source: Hindu Business line] The Indian subcontinent is the new piracy hub in Internet world. We read at colleges and technical institutes that run on pirated software. Even though a single user copy is bought it is used in over 50 PCs.

The most used piece of software in India is probably the windows. (all versions included) But only those people who get branded PCs or laptops have a genuine windows copy. Other who assemble their systems are on pirated ones mostly. Hardware dealers and computer sales people install windows on assembled PCs for 250 rs. Some of the 10 standard kids in the alley will call me crazy for quoting 250 INR, they would do it for 100. Or coax your techie friend and get it free with technical support from the ‘techie’ group.

With this situation in mind I was thinking if Google new chrome operating system came free with added speed, more Internet applications and less system crashes then will it kill Microsoft Windows in India? It is a tough thing to answer at this point of time.

Chrome Vs Windows

Here are some points to Chrome’s favor.

OS Cost : I have a feeling that software cost being the first priority in India rather than security, this could be a winner for Chrome.
Legal Pressure : Now Indian authorities are pressing it hard with NASCOM against software piracy. So if they are left with a choice of choosing between Microsoft of 1500 Rs and Google for free I guess many wood go for Google.
Brand Power : Google is a hugely popular brand in India as well so if brand loyalty is considered then they are almost even.
Performance : Now if we weigh performance then those who have used Google and its products have got hardly any thing to complain. On the other hand you will get more complaints than compliments for Windows and other MS products.

Points in Favor of Windows

User Friendliness : Windows has one big advantage in shape of User Friendliness. Not many people would prefer to learn a new OS. The same thing that happened to Linux. Operating system is more or less synonymous to Windows in India. It would take a while to wrench this reputation out of MS grasp.
Supporting Software: We have grown up on MS Office, Media Player etc. Will Chrome provide support for this or will it be the rise of Internet office applications?
Hardware and Driver Support : Manufacturers of hardware are today MS centric. Will this hamper Google’s Chances?
There are more questions. So it remains to be seen. Will Google Chrome Kill Microsoft Windows in India?

On the 15th of this month India celebrates the 62nd year of Independence . 62 years of economic struggle after a long 200 years and more of freedom struggle. I live in the national capital and Independence Day celebration in New Delhi is a different experience altogether. Euphoria intoxicates the atmosphere as days countdown to independence day. This is second time I am celebrating the national holiday in capital. This year things are different with terror strikes like 26/11 in Mumbai, the recession and finally the swine flu.

the spirit of India

The image best describes our feeling while celebrating Independence Day. We are free but our wings are not so strong to take us high into the skies of development. Terrorism still plagues our freedom and it symbolized by the barbed wire. The bird you would notice is choking (not singing). That is because Economy is strangling and euphoria in the air is poisoned with swine flu scare. When we are advised to stay away from crowds and use masks and I wonder what would be the scene at Red Fort this year. All dignitaries will be having surgical masks on and the public would have handkerchiefs on their faces. It would probably be a tough job for security people if there is some anti-national lurking in the crowd. The marching battalions will also be masked as we can’t risk our defense to fall prey to swine flu. Security is beefed up in the city hence we cannot park our cars in the parking lots. Shops close early so we cannot shop.

But even then the Great Indian spirit lives on and we are all set to celebrate our 62nd independence day. Long live the Indian Spirit. Vande Mataram.

Credits: I thank Mr Mohd Saqib,(graphic designer) my friend and colleague for the image. He translated my thoughts into image with ease.

With the launch of BING, Microsoft’s new search engine some people have become highly optimistic about it. In particular those who did not manage to get good SERP rankings for their keywords in Google. Now with the merger of Yahoo search and Bing WWW would see bing as the single largest challenger of Google for the place of world’s most popular search engine. Well I don’t see this as an age heralded early. The combined forces of Yahoo and MSN used to control a fourth of Search engine market. Yahoo used to be the second, behind Google. It remains to be seen how well will Bing do. Will the market share rise of the ardent Yahoo followers switch over to Google?

As far as BING goes I do like some features of the SERPs. To stay up to date with the happenings I joined the webmaster’s forum at BING. You would not believe the support they provide out there totally sucks. There are a bunch of Rag Tag web master who, like parrots, recite a line or two for every query you post. The official responses are not very encouraging either. Experts are no where to be spotted. What ever you ask related to indexing, algorithms, delay in caching, geo location errors, ranking etc etc here are some answers you would invariably get.

1. BING is new so it will take some time to index.
2. BING is slow so you have to wait till your site is updated.
3. Submit your site map and URL to web master tools
4.Get more back links if you are not indexed.

I was so pissed up with the BING being SLOW thing that I even posted this back on the forum for the web master and Admins to see : -
What use is a “SLOW Thing” to anyone but the snail. If this continues, then the world would start using BING as a synonym for SLOW. Like this ..
The Traffic was very BING today.
Hurry up mate, you are BINGing down the group.
Let me know your experiences with BING web master tools or forums.

I have been working for a year and half with a travel chain based in Canada. I am positioned at New Delhi office where I lead the IT team. Recession began around the same time I joined here. We did not see much of an impact though it has hit travel very hard. The latest news is PIA (Pakistan International Air) has gone bankrupt. In India we saw tough times as well and currently the government is planning a bailout package for low cost carriers. But they had not affected me directly, unless you consider the fact that I have not seen a raise in salary for the last twelve months.

But recently it got me hard. I am consultant to a Recruitment agency in India that operates form New Delhi too. Now these people are totally dependent on international and domestic job openings for making a living as they supply manpower internationally. I have been helping them in Internet promotions. But as the jobs dried up in Americas, Europe and Arab things have got tough for manpower suppliers. Competition is fierce. The big players are leaving no stone unturned to find the worm. Everyone gets up early so no worms for the early bird either. The SERPS are burning so recruiters are fighting it on search engines too to get more deals and sustain themselves.

To top it with more worries, unemployment caused due to recession is driving more Internet frauds. Every other week you see issues cropping up with fraudulent companies asking for payment in lieu of contracts. Promotions and spam are filling up the mail boxes like the 90′s boom. It is now a challenge for me to keep these people in competition and only time will tell if I can pass it’s test.

This is to share with the Internet public my recent awful experiences with Tata Indicom wireless Internet service. I have been using the Tata Indicom CDMA USB modem for my on line activities for around 7 months now. I was initially satisfied with the connection as it provided a degree of freedom compared against fixed line connections. I was assured a speed up to 256 kbps by the marketing executive. I paid around 3000 rupees for the connection. Though the speed was not satisfactory I managed with the same as I almost never faced disconnection.

But for the last one month, things are getting worse. Though the modem is constantly green and the dialer software is stays connected the speed of data transfer is so sick that even the Google home page would not open many times. I am now paying 881 rupees every month for this crap. To add to the woes the connections dies out every now and then. As I write this I have reconnected the dialer software 11 times already within a time span of 70 mins. Assuming that you need 2 mins to disconnect and reconnect I have lost 22 mins of 70 mins to disconnection. I have worked hardly 15 properly. You will have some idea of my frustration form the screen shots I am attaching below. I hope this will give you an idea of how good is the quality of Tataindicom wireless service in New Delhi.
My 12th disconnection today.

automatic disconnection

After reconnecting and loging in to Facebook I am stuck again. Screen shot with the Firefox loading and status bar message saying waiting for facebook.com.

stuck with facebook

After waiting in vain for 3 mins or so I try to open google.com in a new tab. The two screen shots will show you dialer softwares status as it tries and tries hard to connect to and load one of the lightest pages on the web.

Cannot Even Load Google

Cannot Even Load Google after 4 mins

Today while doing the usual rounds of one of my favorite blogging portals I came across a discussion titled “Have your planned out your funeral?” Damn, why the hell should I? I am just 25 and if I mention that to my mother she will scream so loud that it will cause the next tsunami in Bay of Bengal. Even then I read through the discussion where it seemed people had made elaborate plans about their funerals. Some have even decided the exact song to be played and the right brand of wine to be served. Some wanted a party to be hosted where the theme would be Gothic. I felt obliged to respond as I could not stand so much creativity without contributing my own.
I posted :
“I would like to be entombed in a cryonics capsule till I rise again”
You are free to form you own ideas by analyzing my state of mind and labeling me crazy or psycho or A***H***.

Not all were weirdos on this discussion. One 22 year old girl sagely stated that she wanted to be buried and wanted a plant planted over her so that the space does not go waste and she serves manure to the plant. How touching! I felt like getting down on my knees and saying “Oh Angel. Make my life. Be my wife.” Sorry that was a short term nervous break down. So this is what the westerners plan for their post mortal days. But being an Indian I have to think about the repercussions of such action during my mortal days. I assure you such plans will not go down as naively as you plan.

Now consider the girl (above angel whom I fantasize to have proposed) to have been an Indian. Let’s say she became a doctor and then married a surgeon, had 3 kids and finally died peacefully at the age of 79. Oops I just narrated a life in one sentence. Yeah now back to the story. After she dies her family mourn her and then finally lay her for the eternal rest. Honoring her noble wish they plant a Neem sapling over her grave so that she can manure it for some time. So simple story and yet so touching. There is a tear bead forming in the left corner of my right eye.

the tree on the grave

Hey I am yet to build the climax. Let’s go 6 years ahead in time after Neem tree was planted on our protagonist. ……….. Now there are red flags and ornate hangings on the tree that has grown huge, thanks to the manure. People who pass by fold their hands and bow their heads. Old ladies form far off villages come seeking cure for their incurable diseases (because they can’t pay for it). The tree is now considered locally to be the ultimate asylum for childless couples. Maniram, the greengrocer, claims with confidence that the Neem leaves taste sweet to those who believe in the Divine Lady. In case you do not know Neem leaves actually taste bitter. Some can swear in the name of the Spaghetti Monster that they have seen or heard the divine presence on the full-moon nights. Mothers now tie small twigs of the great plant to their daughters wrists as that will shield them from dangers unknown. They are now planning to construct a temple next to the tree as the local priest, who was largely jobless, received a divine message during his alcohol induced slumber.

We are back to current time. All that I narrated above is not pure imagination. It does inculcate some aspects of Indian society, its beliefs and its colors. But I would still like to hear from you if you would like to be remembered this way after death. Feel free to comment.