Residential fish farming

          Residential fish farming, as the name suggests is the small scale production of consumable fish from the comfort of our house. This concept has grown widely in recent years owing to its ease and the surplus produce. The fact that fish available in the market is preserved for over 2 months generally, before reaching the consumer. Preservatives like ammonia is used(in Kerala) to avoid deterioration of the fish over time and to store at higher temperatures. These preservatives have a very adverse effect on our health.
          Residential fish farming  thus proves a solution to the increasing costs of the fish as well as the adverse effects that may arise due to consumption of chemically treated fish. In addition to all these, there exists the following advantages:

Inexpensive to run

Easy care – all you need to do is feed your fish!

any size and shape ponds can be made

highly productive methods can be practiced

takes very less time 

Can be integrated with growing vegetables- Concept of Aquaponics

How do we start?

          I have been doing residential fish farming for quite some time now just as a hobby. I had converted a 3*3m rainwater storage tank into a fish tank. Setting up a cement tank just for growing fish is absolutely a loss. Instead, fish can be grown by digging a small pond and using tarpaulin sheets over it to avoid loss of water. A point to be noted is that before laying the tarpaulin sheets, lay enough empty cement bags(easily available from any construction sites) or coconut shells etc. to avoid roots of trees from making holes in the tarpaulin sheets leading to leakage of water. Another alternative to digging up a pond is to lay some cement bricks in form of a rectangle and laying tarpaulin in between to obtain a small water reservoir enough to grow fish. Here again, precaution against roots should be taken.

Aquaponics

         Aquaponics refers to any system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising fish,prawns etc in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. In normal aquaculture, excretions from the animals being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing toxicity. In an aquaponic system, water from an aquaculture system is fed to a hydroponic system where the by-products are broken down by nitrification bacteria into nitrates and nitrites, which are utilized by the plants as nutrients, and the water is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system. 

          This system wherein the water is recirculated after filtering through the hydroponic system may seem to be complex. An alternative to this is to pump the water from the bottom of the tank(or tarpaulin sheet where fish is grown) such that the excretions are pumped out to the place where vegetables are grown. This can be done only when the plants are required to be watered. Fresh water can be pumped into the tank to compensate for the pumped-out water. Hybridizing aquaculture and vegetable cultivation is very beneficial as the water from the tanks are rich in nutrients and thus, is a natural manure.

Which Fish Do we grow?

The most important factor in residential fish farming is to select which fish breed has to be grown to obtain optimum output. There are a few options I would choose:

• Tilapia and giant gourami is a good option. Tilapia is a fish that is widely produced. It is an over-powering fish which doesnt consume other fish. Tilapia grows fully in around 6 to 9 months weighing from 600 grams(normal tilapia) to 2.5kilograms((ailotica(broiler) tilapia) depending on the feed provided. It also reproduces largely. Giant gourami can also be grown along with tilapia without harm. It grows upto 6 kg.
• Another alternative is to grow breeds like cutla, rohu, mrigal etc. which can grow together. These grow to very large sizes(like 80 kg size) if they are introduced to natural ecosystems but in small ponds and tanks the sizes can largely differ.

Building an ecosystem

It is essential to build a good ecosystem in order to ensure sufficient growth of the fish. Fishes that breed quickly has to be provided with breeder colonies so that external disturbances does not affect reproduction. Generally, to avoid loss of fish seed, males and females are introduced into a temporary pond generally in the ratio 1:4(one male for four females). This is done mainly in case of Tilapia. If allowed to breed in the same tank, there is high chance that the fish seed gets eaten up by the other fishes or tilapia males.

Setting up a breeder colony is easy. Accumulate sand, soil, stones etc towards one end of the tank (or tarpaulin sheet). Also introduce pieces of PVC pipes of various sizes near the stones. This is done to allow the females to hide once the eggs are fertilized.

Tranformers and Electricals Limited Kerala (TELK) Engineer Trainee Recruitment

Recruitment to the post of Engineer trainee at Transformers and Electricals Limited Kerala(TELK) is conducted once in a few years time by KITCO placement park located in Belhaven Gardens,Kowdiar, Trivandrum. The selection process consists of the following stages:
1. Written Test
2. Group Discussion
3. Interview

1.Written test
This is the most challenging step in the recruitment process. The question paper consists of 100 questions all MCQ type and carrying 1 mark for each right answer. The time allotted for completing the test is 90 minutes. There is generally no negative marking which means "Answer all the questions!!". The question paper is divided into 5 sections:
a) General awareness
In this section there are 10 questions which deals with general knowledge and current affairs. The questions though only ten in number, covers a wide range of areas.

b) English Language
This section consists of 10 questions which are generally easy. It includes grammar, vocabulary, antonyms ans synonyms etc.

c)Reasoning Ability
This section consists of 15 questions consisting mainly from areas like Relationships, letter series etc.

d) Numerical Ability
This section consists of 15 questions from areas like percentage, profit and loss, squares, etc.

e) Technical Ability
This is the toughest part of the question paper. It consists of 50 questions and these are asked from any subjects in Electrical and Electronics Engineering which even includes non-core subjects like hydraulic machines and heat engines. The questions asked in these are of GATE level and is advised not to be taken lightly. If you are a person preparing fo gate exams, it would prove to be very helpful.


2. Group Discussion
This process is more like an elimination process than a selection process. A group of 10-15 people discuss on a topic as decided by the invigilator. You have to be really interactive throughout the process to be short-listed for interview.

3. Interview
This is the final process of selection in the recruitment process. A board of interviewers will interview each shortlisted candidate for around 30 minutes. You have to have sound knowledge in electrical subject to get through the process. The questions may arise from the lowest Basic Gates(AND,OR,NOT) to even advanced control theory.


Please find attached the question paper for the written test and the answer key. It will give an overview and will help you understand the pattern of questions asked in the test.

For more details follow the link www.kitcoplacementpark.in
Link to the Official website of TELK: click here

TCS Aspire-A key to early on-boarding

          If you have been placed at TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) and have received the offer letter, it is around time that you receive an e-mail asking you to take up the Aspire Online courses available under the Campus Commune tab in your login home page.

          Completing the Aspire Course content with a good score is necessary for early on boarding onto TCS. The Aspire course is quite a lengthy one and requires much attention to clear the cut-off and make it early to TCS. As of now, there are seven modules in the aspire course. The list of these modules are as follows:

1. Introduction to Computer Systems    (280 miles)
2. Know your TCS   (120 miles)
3. Basics of Programming   (800 miles)
4. Business Skills   (480 miles)
5. Problem Solving   (800 miles)
6. RDBMS   (800 miles)
7. Python   (1440 miles)

       Total          4720 miles

          Each module has various number of sub-modules and course materials to go through. After learning each sub-module, it is advised to take up the quiz for the session and clear the task. Make sure that the preparation is good enough as the questions asked in the quiz requires knowledge into the finest detail written in the course material. The batching process requires that you should clear the cutoff score after completing all the modules in the Aspire course. Suppose the miles required for cu-off is 3700. If you have cleared the cut-off, based on your scores, you will be selected for the then-batching process. If you fail to clear the cutoff, you have the option to reset these courses and reattempt the module(s) in which the score is not satisfactory. Tip: Make sure that you reset these modules only after completing all the modules. 

          So, every time the batching process for a month is completed, you will be provided the reset option for all modules except Business skills. Once you have cleared the cut-off, you will be asked to take up the language lounge quiz whose scores are not looked into, while deciding your joining date, batch and venue. The final score which shortlists you into a batch is dependent on various parameters like the Aspire Course Score, Your Interview Score, Personal Profile Score etc. and based on all this, and your preferred location and selected stream, they will provide you with the joining date and ILP location. 

All the best for all those preparing to join TCS. If you have any doubts or clarifications, just comment on this and I shall get back to you ASAP

Kerala's need of the hour: Fresh and pesticide free vegetables

          For the past few days it has been widely noticed that the vegetables available in our market are full of toxic chemicals and pesticides which are applied to it during cultivation. The main problem is that people do know the fact but they are not left out with a choice than to depend on the vegetables available in the market. There are around 230 registered pesticides of which around 110 are used by farmers on a regular basis. Most of these pesticides are applied far more than required(like 10 times more) for immediate pest elimination. Some farmers also use residual pesticides like methyl perathione, furadan and monocrotophus which remain in the crop for 45 days after spraying. These are banned for use on vegetables and fruits as it is deadly dangerous to human body. Thus it is the need of the hour to start educating ourselves about the extent of harm these chemicals can do to our body and to try reducing the over-dependence on vegetables available in the common market.
          This is possible only if we are ready to cultivate vegetables and fruits on our own to whatever extent possible. Government of Kerala and the 'Krishi Bhavan' has been promoting the cultivation of fruits and vegetables at our houses. In some houses where the space is an issue, terrace farming can be done. In-fact, terrace farming in kerala  has been gaining a lot of popularity in the past few years due to its effectiveness.
Terrace farming is quite an easy way of producing vegetables at home. This is done on the roofs of houses using gunny bags or even flower pots. Through proper care, it is as good as in-land cultivation. Adequate shade from the sun  is necessary as there are chances of the plant getting damaged due to excess sun. The most commonly planted seedlings on rooftops include peas, bitter-guard, ladies-finger etc. If this is made a practice, the dependence on the market vegetables can be drastically reduced (except for those that cannot be grown in our climate).
          Proper awareness about the usage of chemicals and pesticides and the various complications that arises out of them in due time has to be spread among the common people. People are generally reluctant to look into these issues and are sometimes lousy to do a bit of farming as they are used to buying the vegetables from the market. this attitude has to change, only then can you live a healthy life.
          For details of vegetable farming, visit the nearest horticulture departmental office or Krishibhavan. There are enough schemes and subsidies to get you started.
Go green, live a healthy life!! 

Naturopathy- A key to healthy living

In this present era, we come across numerous types of diseases owing to untimely diet, junk food, heredity, lack of regular exercise and what not?... And for each of these diseases that can sometimes prove to be fatal, there happen to be a large number and varieties of treatments. Naturopathy has been gaining popularity in the last couple of years owing to its effectiveness and safety.
Naturopathy is totally an alternative medicine employing a wide array of natural treatments, including homeopathy, acupuncture, herbalism as well as proper diet (nutrition) and moulding a healthy lifestyle. Naturopathy says that there are cures for almost all diseases in the nature itself and it generally avoids the use of surgery and drugs. It is based on a belief in vitalism and self-healing rather than evidence based medicine. "Living in harmony with the nature" is the ultimate aim of naturopathy. Naturopathic practice is based on a belief in the body's ability to heal itself through a special vital energy or force guiding bodily processes internally. Diagnosis and treatment concern primarily alternative therapies and "natural" methods that naturopaths claim promote the body's natural ability to heal.
Kerala, a state in India is well known for Naturopathy and Nature cure. Numerous people come to these centres and go with a relief they never got from the conventional medicine. I would like to share my experience about my recent visit to a Nature Cure center at Cochin, Ernakulam. People coming there for treatment generally suffers diabetes, blood pressure(low and high), over-weight, bone diseases, etc. Some even come there to try out a different life style quite different from their usual. I have heard many people say giving  a positive feedback about the treatment and most of them come back again and motivate others to try it out.
The treatment duration should at-least be for a period of  14 days to show visible effects. I would like to explain the various treatments I underwent while staying there.

YOGA

A typical day at the treatment center starts with prayer and yoga. The science of Yoga imbibe itself the complete essence of the Way of Life, including - Gyan Yoga or philosophy, Bhakti Yoga or path of devotional bliss, Karma Yoga or path of blissful action, and Raja Yoga or path of mind control. These are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul. In Yoga, various postures and asanas help in relieving physical as well as mental ailments.

MUD Bath

Mud is an important element of nature cure. It contains many important minerals which have positive effects on human health. Mud can absorb various toxins from human body and is therefore very useful in preventing quite a lot of diseases. It is also known for its healing properties and it also helps in cooling and relaxing body as it can hold moisture for a long time. It relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation, maintains metabolism rendering positive impact on digestion. It is useful in conditions of inflammation/ swelling and relieves pain, is a good hair conditioner and is good for skin. It is useful in condition of stiff joints

Steam Bath

In this treatment, steam is exposed to spines and other parts of the body uniformly in a very scientific way. The temperature of the steam can be adjusted and maintained as per requirements of the patient. It helps in removing toxins from the skin.

Spine Bath

This treatment involves immersing the spinal cord in hot or cold water(as directed) for around 10 minutes. This basically helps in relaxing the spine. While undergoing spine bath, make sure to use a wet cloth to cover the head to avoid it getting heated up.

Hip Bath

This treatment involves immersing hip region in a tub in hot or cold water as directed for around 20 minutes followed by taking a bath. While undergoing hip bath, make sure to use a wet cloth to cover the head to avoid it getting heated up.

In addition to all this, various other treatments like massage,acupuncture, magnet therapy, eye-nose wash etc are also provided daily. The diet is fully vegetarian such that the food intake is alkaline, which our body prefers. 

I am sure that all these treatments can help rejuvenating oneself and help in regaining health. The contact details of the Nature cure centre are as follows:

St. Tresa's Nature Cure & Yoga Ashram

Kurumassery P.O., Moozhikkulam, Angamali, Kerala, India.

Phone: 0484 2473221

If you wish to know more about naturopathy or the treatment, please add a comment. Thanks

TCS Off Campus Drive for the batches of 2015 & 2016

In this blog post, I will take you through my experience about the selection process at TCS in brief. Basically, there are two rounds of selection process wherein the first is the online aptitude test, which if cleared, will get you to the interview process. Once you have been shortlisted for the TCS selection process, you will be notified to attend the online aptitude test

Online Aptitude Test

The online test consists of  two sections: E-mail writing section and an aptitude section. The e-mail writing section comprise of 10 minutes where they ask you to write an email to someone, including many words and phrases that has to be used compulsorily. A minimum of 50 words is compulsory. I made a mistake in answering the email part where I forgot to save the email at regular intervals. Finally, the Summary of responses said that I have not answered the e-mail part. But fortunately it was saved on their server.

      The second part comprised of around 30 questions to be answered in around 80 minutes. The questions were comparatively easy but you can expect at-least one question from each areas mainly the following ones:

 Time Speed Distance

 Percentage

 Profit, Loss and Discount

 Age problems

 Number properties

 Ratios and Proportions

 Interest Calculations

 Time and Work

 Permutation Combination

 Probability

 Clocks

 Progressions

The cut-offs for the aptitude test was high. So you have to be prepared enough to get a good score and be shortlisted to the next stage

Interview

 The interview for shortlisted candidates from trivandrum was conducted on 26/2/2015 and 27/2/2015 at the TCS office at Infopark, Kakkanad, Cochin. The interview consisted of three rounds:

1. Technical Interview: Here you can expect questions from your academic project, programming languages, your core branch etc. This is the first process of elimination and has to be taken very seriously. For me, they asked to introduce myself first, went through my resume, asked about my academic project and to write programs in C and C++. This is to check if you have sound  technical knowledge.

2. Managerial Interview: Here you can expect them to ask more about TCS, knowledge of the current trends in your engineering discipline, current trends in IT industry etc. They will ask more about TCS in this round and you have to go through their company website to answer these questions. They can also give you tasks like "Sell me this pen" to test your communication and persuasive skills. This round also is an elimination round. They asked me to introduce myself, then asked whether I had received any placements, asked me why I wanted to join TCS though I am not from an IT background etc. Typically asked questions are available in many websites, make sure you go through it.

3. HR interview: This is the final set of interview wherein they ask you more about yourself, why they should select you, might make you do some puzzles. They want to assess what kind of a person you are and how you react to various situations. They will assess your leadership qualities etc. They asked me to give a brief introduction, went on to my role in my academic project, asked me why I preferred to work with TCS than other placement options.

On the whole, the selection process was a good experience for me. After the final round, they have told that they would inform the results via e-mail. In case you wish to know the results, please try contacting them on the details given to you.