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Featured Image Aswathy
Lifestyle
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5 Proven Japanese Principles to Boost Productivity and Achieving Success!

1  Do you worry about not making enough progress in life? Are you unable to complete your tasks because of your last hesitation? There is no medicine for laziness, but if you are willing to make some lifestyle changes, you will definitely see positive changes that make you even more competent at surviving all the negativities.  Overcoming laziness is a challenge that many of us face, regardless of our cultural background. Here, we will discuss five Japanese techniques for tackling this issue. They may not be readily applicable, but with consistent effort and patience, they can help you in the long run.  Kaizen: One At A Time One of the powerful Japanese techniques we’ll be exploring is ‘Kaizen’. This simple yet effective Japanese business philosophy emphasizes continuity and making small, incremental changes over time. It’s a potent tool in the battle against laziness. By applying it to our personal space, we can start by understanding the need to implement the habit. Remember, habits are best implemented consistently but at a slow pace. This is where the ‘habit stacking’ theory comes in, where small habits aiming for specific goals are stacked on top of each other. Making complex tasks small and manageable can overcome stress and significantly improve our productivity. 5S Method: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, And Shitsuke Another powerful technique is the 5S method, a Japanese approach to improving workplace productivity. It involves specific steps: organizing, cleaning, developing, and creating a positive work environment. These steps are not just for the office; they can also be applied in your personal life. For instance, organizing your workspace at home, cleaning up your digital files, developing a routine, and creating a positive environment can enhance your productivity and reduce laziness.  Pomodoro: Take a break Does working on the same project create restlessness? Do you need a meaningful distraction? Don’t worry—the Japanese have an excellent idea for overcoming the mundanity of a task. Pomodoro, a Japanese way of time management, suggests you overcome laziness by dividing your task into 25 minutes of focused work and a five-minute break. Follow this pattern until you finish your job. Thus, complete your task effectively without any distractions. Ikigai: The Way Of Choosing a Happy Life Ikigai emphasizes living a happy life and teaches you to prioritize things and focus on a motivational and passion-driven life. It is a powerful way to live a life with a purpose. But how do you find your Ikigai? The answer is simple: it is possible through self-awareness and reflection. Understand the four rules of Ikigai, including your passion, vocation, mission, and profession. Though this exploration may seem experimental, it gradually leads you to the fulfilling life you desire, full of meaning and purpose. Shokunin Spirit: -The Spirit Of A True Artisan Shokunin translates to artisan or craftsman, and the shokunin spirit denotes the deep driving force in a craftsman to create something with the utmost passion, care, and detail. Mastering any art requires continuous effort, no matter how challenging the task. On the other hand, setting such a mindset can help one master inner abilities such as patience and consistency. 

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Culture & Heritage
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‘Naga Aradhana’- A Profound Culture Celebrated For Generations

0 India has a broad culture of different worship systems, which mark the specific rituals of communities. We have a comprehensive way of worshipping nature and naturalistic elements. We have the sun and moon as our gods and trees as our goddesses. In certain parts of India, worshipping serpents as gods is a common custom. These serpent gods hold a significant place in our culture, symbolising fertility, protection, and divine power. Such temples are dedicated to serpent gods and sacred groves are maintained near them, creating a natural ecosystem for snakes, known as ‘sarpakavu’. In Kerala, where serpent worship is deeply ingrained, every temple has a unique abode for the serpent gods. However, a few temples stand out for their dedication to serpent worship. These include Mannarassala, Pampumekkattu Mana, and Vettikkod Sree Nagaraja temple, each with unique rituals and traditions.  Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple The Mannarassala Nagaraja temple, located in Haripad, Alappuzha district of Kerala, is not just a place of worship but a living testament to India’s rich history and culture of serpent worship. Patronised by a Brahmin family, this ancient pilgrimage site has gained international recognition for its special rituals and devotion to snake gods. The regular pujas, offerings, and sacred grove are all a testament to the enduring nature of this religious practice, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian culture and traditions.  Pambumekkattu Mana  Pambumekkattu Mana, situated in Mala, in the Thrissur district, is a famous worship centre for serpent gods. Nagaraja and Naga Yakshi are the main deities here. The temple has vast land containing five big sarpakavu dedicated to serpent gods. The temple is managed by a Brahmin family, who have been entrusted with this responsibility for generations. Devotees visit the temple every year. Rahu pooja is performed as a particular offering in this temple. Aadimoolam Vettikkod Sree Nagaraja Swami Temple Vettikkod Nagaraja Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to serpent gods, is situated in Kayamkulam. Ayilyam Mahotsavam is the main festival, held annually at the temple, which attracts devotees. The festival starts seven days before Ayilyam. These days are full of unique rituals and traditions culminating in a ceremonial procession from the temple to Meppallil Illam, an ancient Brahmin home. As the sun sets, worshippers can witness the mesmerising Sarpabali ritual performed to appease the serpent gods. The festival concludes with the daily rituals, making it an unforgettable experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on! Beyond their cultural and religious significance, these temples play a vital role in preserving traditional ecological knowledge and biodiversity. They serve as sanctuaries for snakes, maintaining a delicate balance in the ecosystem. This aspect of their function, often overlooked, is something that should be appreciated by all, as it highlights the harmonious relationship between humans and nature that is at the heart of Indian culture.

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Featured Image Ishita
Technology
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Web3 & Decentralized Learning: The Future of Education?

0 Web3 is accelerating an education revolution with future tech, where not just students but robots are also continuously learning to change the world. Learning models are shaking up industries and revolutionizing education, with Web3 emphasizing decentralization and ownership at its core. Let’s dive in and discover how robots are transforming our learning! Unpacking Decentralized Learning Traditional education follows a top-down model: institutions set curriculums and control credentialing, and students are passive knowledge receivers. Decentralized learning flips this script. It accentuates: Web3: The Technological Powerhouse Web3 brings powerful tools to make decentralized learning a reality: Real World Examples This isn’t just theoretical. Here are some ways decentralized learning and Web3 are already in use: The Promise and The Challenges Decentralized learning powered by Web3 promises a more learner-centric, equitable, and adaptable education system. Yet challenges remain, how do we ensure the quality and legitimacy of decentralized credentials? Students and educators must develop skills to navigate Web3 tools effectively. Technology never works well on its own. While decentralization aims to reduce access barriers, the digital divide remains a concern. Looking Ahead: Web3 & Decentralized Learning The integration of decentralized learning and Web3 in education is in its early stages but rapidly evolving. This transformation offers the potential to empower learners, reward educators more fairly, and dissolve traditional barriers to learning. As technology matures and we address its challenges, Web3-powered decentralized learning could create a truly open and dynamic educational landscape.

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Featured Image Ishita
Trends
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The Black Box in the Forecast: Trusting AI Predictions?

0 Undoubtedly, AI has many things in its fists, making waves in a lot of fields, including predicting future events like a crystal ball full of circuits. AI Models are crunching numbers to be the fortune teller of the Earth, telling us how the world will forever change, from the advancements to the calamities. Eh, we’re exaggerating. AI is still a mystery. You can compare these forecast models to “black boxes,” God knows what’s happening inside them. So, here’s a question: Should we trust AI forecasts knowing there’s a lack of transparency? Let’s find out! What Makes AI Prediction a Black Box? AI, specifically machine learning, often relies on a ton of information and complex algorithms to process said information without explicit rules. This lack of rules allows AI to see what humans tend to neglect in the first place, but it also prevents humans from predicting what they predict. It’s as good as a magic trick—impressive but mysterious. Why is Trusting These Forecasts a Concern? Simply, biased information. AI models are like children, absorb the information we feed them. They can inherit biases present in that data. If the information is skewed, so too will be the AI’s predictions, eroding our trust in its results. Understanding AI’s thought processes remains a puzzle, making it even harder to pinpoint the source of errors. Is the culprit flawed code or the biases hidden within the data itself? This lack of transparency makes improving AI models an ongoing challenge. Do Black Box Forecasts Have Any Value? While some AI models are difficult to interpret, others provide explanations for their predictions. The value of a forecast depends on both its accuracy and transparency. Opaque models may still be useful in situations where the exact reasoning is less important than the outcome itself. Finding the Balance So, should we abandon AI forecasts altogether? Not necessarily. Here’s a possible approach: Conclusion The “black box” problem is a significant challenge for AI-powered forecasting. To gain our complete trust, AI needs to be more transparent. By prioritizing explainable models, using AI forecasts responsibly, and maintaining a healthy dose of human skepticism, we can harness the power of AI predictions while making informed decisions about the future.

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Featured Image Aswathy
Entertainment
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‘Laapatha Ladies’, A Movie That Unveils The Candid Views Of The Society

0 Though physically present in the world, women often live with a sense of missing identity.  In a world where individuality is celebrated, the vanished identities of women remain an impactful yet often overlooked narrative. Consider the women you’ve encountered, perhaps even in your own life, who seem to have their identities overshadowed or forgotten.  Have you ever encountered people who neglect their lives due to their obligations and responsibilities? ‘Laapatha Ladies ‘, a Kiran Rao-directed movie produced by Aamir Khan, is a powerful social commentary on the inequalities faced by women in our society. This Bollywood movie is a light-hearted masterpiece that unveils many layers of social patriarchy and the identity crisis of womanhood. A seemingly ordinary wedding scene in a remote village unfolds into an unexpected drama, a turning point that reshapes the entire narrative. Since Phool and Jaya, the brides, are unintentionally switched since they are wearing matching veils, the story takes a thought-provoking turn. The hero’s quest to find his missing bride leads to a series of events that challenge societal norms and prompt viewers to reflect on these issues. The Two Women Phool and Jaya, two distinct identities of women, eventually cross their paths and embrace each other. Phool, a simple village girl, is a devoted daughter and innocent wife. Her character embodies the traditional roles of women that have long been celebrated in society, roles that are often tied to responsibilities and others. Initially portrayed as a timid and underconfident girl, Phool gradually finds her voice and courage, eventually gaining the confidence to travel alone and assert her independence. We witness a transformed Phool, a woman who no longer feels bound by societal expectations and boldly calls her husband by his name, not hiding her face with the veil that once defined her.  On the other side of the story, Jaya, aka Pushparani, is an ambitious and bold girl who has always dreamt of reaching a high position in society.  She is an intelligent and generous young woman who loves to see the world in pursuit of her passion.   Reflection Of Society The movie Laapatha Ladies introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with unique traits and roles. Manju Mai, an independent woman running a tea shop at the railway station, Deepak, an innocent and loving groom who was never ready to leave his bride, and a selfish Pradeep who only focuses on money are all characters that add depth to the narrative. The inspector, who proves that truth and kindness still have a place in the human heart, is another character that sparks meaningful thoughts.  ‘Laapatha Ladies’ is a movie that resonates with our personal experiences. In our busy lives and responsibilities, we often forget to focus on ourselves, our talents, and our hobbies, which bring us joy.  The movie encourages us to look inward, discover ourselves, and live for our dreams. It gently teaches us the importance of self-love, a prerequisite for loving others.

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Featured Images Sudipa Roy
Automobile
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Vehicle Repair Guide: 4 Ordinary Car Issues & How To Get Rid of ASAP!

0 Purchasing a brand-new car is a top-of-the-world experience, mainly when it’s your first car! But sooner or later, your high-tech car may show some crucial issues whose costs might leave you jaw-dropped. So, what are those car issues that may arise at any time? Understanding these common car issues not only makes you feel informed but also knowledgeable.  Whenever your car is having an underlying problem, your knowledge of a typical car issue will help address the issue faster. However, it would be best if you have the right skills to mend your car. This can save you a plethora of money, and at the same time, you may get acquainted with a lot of things. Unforeseen failure of the car’s battery is one of the major reasons that compel our cars to pull off the road. The battery may get drained for a wide array of reasons, including a broken charging system, parasitic drain, rugged weather, and an older battery. Moreover, you should keep in mind that the approximate lifespan of the battery is 3 to 5 years based on general performance and usage. Your vehicle’s tire deteriorates over time, which is why keeping it in optimum condition is important. If you notice any wear & tear on the car’s tires, it could be wheel misalignment, imprecise tire pressure, unbalanced tires, and the car’s suspension system. But you may prevent this uneven tire wear by checking the tire pressure monthly, checking the wheel alignment while rotating the car tires, and rotating the car tires every time you obtain an oil change.  In case you have noticed smoke coming out from the car’s front, it’s due to the overheating problems. Numerous reasons, such as cooling system leaks, radiator problems, failing water pumps, etc, might cause this issue. In the case of overheating, you have to pull off the car, contact the mechanic, and allow them to examine your engine to know its source and retrieve your car’s temperature.  You may not understand you have car issues until you observe your car’s exhaust smoke looks distinct. If you see the light and white smoke, it’s mostly water vapor, which is normal. But in case the exhaust smoke’s color appears gray, blue, or milky white, it’s high time to take your car for a service.  These are some of the common issues that impact not only your vehicle but also every car owner. Therefore, you should take good care of your car as a vehicle is an intricate mechanism with several moving parts that require maintenance. 

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Featured image Sudipa Roy
Automobile
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Want to Organize a Succesful Car Exhibition? 4 Tips to Consider!

0 Do you have a strong fascination for vintage and latest cars? If yes, you should know how to arrange an appealing car exhibition that will awe everyone! To every car enthusiast out there, a car show is where they join together to demonstrate their super cool automobiles and have ample fun.  If you’re an aspiring car show organizer and wondering how to pull off the show successfully, don’t fret! This article will guide you through every step and help you make it extra appealing by providing you with some magnificent ideas. So, let’s get started! One of the best locations to organize a car exhibition is in your shop’s parking zone. However, the primary objective of the car exhibition is to promote your business and understand the local automobile community. In case your parking zone is not very spacious, you need to look around town for an optimum fit.  As you intend to keep your show local, high schools are the other best option as their parking zones cost minimum to no money to rent. While choosing high schools to arrange your car show, you might have to hire porta-potties and book trash removal services and insurance.  You should create a well-planned marketing plan to ensure a top-notch exhibition. A bigger segment of your money must be devoted to marketing expenses. Here, two leading approaches are needed; one of them is to promote the car show to attendees, as it would assist you in convincing them that the show consists of what they desire. Second, to attract exhibitors, you should persuade them that you’re catching the attention of the attendees that match their expertise.  In order to obtain the maximum attendance for your car exhibition, you must advertise it properly. As the approaching summer is the best time to host a car show, you may advertise it by making up flyers, attending the hosted shows in your area, and distributing them to everyone to let them know about your upcoming car show. You may also spread the word by leaving a pile of flyers at auto body shops, local parts stores, and mechanics.  As your super amazing car exhibition comes to an end, it’s high time to commemorate the magnificent cars and top-notch moments that made it amazing! As you’re the host of this car show, you can distribute prizes to the most appealing cars and partakers to make them feel on top of the world. 

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Featured Image Ishita
Leisure
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Top 5 Tech Remote Gardening Tools While You’re Away!

0 Ever want to go on a vacation but stop at the fear of having your day and night toil of working on your plants be wasted within two nights? Well, tech has ensured you go on your beach day without worry! Here are the top 5 tech remote gardening tools that allow you to remotely monitor, water, and even weed your garden. 1. Smart Irrigation Controllers: These aren’t your average sprinklers. Smart irrigation controllers use Wi-Fi to adjust watering schedules depending on plant demands, local weather, and real-time soil moisture data. Some models even learn over time to optimize watering efficiency. Benefits: Conserve water, prevent overwatering, and adjust to weather changes automatically. 2. Remote Plant Monitoring Systems: These clever devices use sensors to gather crucial data about your plants’ environment, including soil moisture, light levels, temperature, and humidity. You can access this information in real-time using a smartphone app to make watering and modification decisions from miles away.  Benefits: Early problem detection (pests, disease), data-driven plant care decisions. 3. Robotic Lawn Mowers: Do you love a manicured lawn but hate the chore? Robotic lawnmowers are the answer. These autonomous devices quietly mow your lawn on a schedule you set, returning to their base station to recharge when needed. Benefits: Save time, consistent mowing, quieter than traditional mowers. 4. Smart Grow Lights: These app-controlled lights that mimic natural sunlight are next on the top 5 tech remote gardening tools list. Smart grow lights are customizable and are perfect for indoor plants or areas with limited light.  Benefits: Support indoor plant growth year-round, independent of light.  5. Weeding Robots: Weeding is nobody’s favorite task. Robotic weeders use cameras and AI technology to identify and remove weeds without harming your desired plants. Benefits: Less manual labor, eco-friendly (reduces herbicide need). Choosing the Right Tech Tools for Your Garden  The best devices for your garden from the top 5 tech remote gardening tools depend on your needs. Consider these factors: Conclusion  Technology is transforming how we care for our gardens, making it easier to keep plants thriving even when we can’t be there in person. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply want to streamline your gardening tasks, these top 5 tech remote gardening tools offer convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. Remember: Even with the best tech, having a trusted friend or neighbor check on your plants periodically is still a good idea, especially during extended absences.

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Featured Image Fathima Sanna
Entertainment
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4 Stalker Movies Like “Baby Reindeer” That Will Keep You Riveted Till The Very End!

0 Baby Reindeer is blowing up on Netflix for its nerve-wracking plot interknitted with devastating dark themes. This stalker series, directed and starring Richard Gadd, is based on Gadd’s real life where he was the prey of haunting trauma and grievous stalking. If you’ve loved watching this enthralling dark comedy, we’ve gathered some arresting stalker movies like Baby Reindeer to keep you glued to the screen till the very end. One Hour Photo (2002) Ever imagined a photo technician developing a menacing obsession with customers? One Hour Photo is a gripping psychological thriller that centers around a lonely man named Sy Parrish, who gradually waters disturbing obsession with Yorkin’s family to the extent of drifting into fantasies where he’s a blithesome uncle of Yorkin. But one day, Sy finds out about Will’s affair, shattering his bewitchingly molded fantasy and disrupting his mental state. It Follows (2014) It Follows is an intriguingly gripping movie that centers around Jay and a sexually transmitted curse. After having sex with her new boyfriend named Hugh, Jay is left behind with a terrifying curse where a creepy entity who takes many forms, will keep stalking Jay. If “It” succeeds in catching Jay, Jay will be brutally killed. But Jay can transfer the curse to someone else through sex, and can have some more time before the new person gets killed by this supernatural entity and the curse gets reverted to Jay. But will Jay ever be able to escape from this nerve-wracking entity? Invisible Man (2020) If you’re a voracious reader, you must be familiar with this title. Yes, this is the movie adaptation of Invisible Man by H.G. Wells with some riveting changes. When Cecelia is finally trying to fit the puzzle pieces of her life back together after the death of her abusive ex, she begins experiencing something inexplicable, a disturbing presence of something invisible. Will she ever be free from being haunted by this invisible presence? The Watcher (2022) Here comes the unsettling stalker series inspired by real-life incidents. The Watcher revolves around a wealthy couple who move into their new home, but soon their dream house turns into a nightmare. Letters from a stalker under the pseudonym of “watcher” chilled the couple’s blood now and then. In the true story, the identity of Watcher still remains as an unsolved mystery.

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Featured Image Aswathy
Leisure
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Lightcraft-Lighting Strategies To Create A Stunning Recreation Corner!

0 What are the major factors to be considered when decorating a space to your desired level? Redesigning a room is not just about rearranging furniture and changing paint colours. It’s also about harnessing the transformative power of lighting to completely revamp the space, creating a whole new atmosphere and mood.   When designing a space, it’s essential to consider aesthetics and functionality. The designer’s focus must be on the pleasing arrangement of the room, which ensures the user’s comfort.  Is Lighting Significant? Lighting is not just a simple element in interior design; it’s a deciding element that can make or break a space. It has the power to set the mood, create an atmosphere, and, most importantly, ensure the user’s comfort and satisfaction.  There are five fundamental qualities of lighting: intensity, form, colour, direction, and movement. Types Of Lighting As we discussed, lights are unavoidable elements of the interior or exterior ambience. Consider the vivid uses of lights for various purposes; according to such factors, lighting patterns are different. There are four different lighting patterns. General Lighting General lighting is used when you want uniform illumination in the space. People generally prefer such lighting in places where they spend time doing their daily activities. When regular lighting produces a standard effect, ambient lighting sets the stage for an ideal entertaining atmosphere. Task Lighting Task lighting is convenient lighting that helps you adjust the brightness to the desired level. Specific tasks like cooking, studying, office work, photographing, etc., can be done with the perfect task lighting suitable for each job.  Accent Lighting Accent lighting projects the beauty of a particular area or object by strikingly illuminating it. This style of lighting is typically used on walls, paintings, artwork, and entryways. Additionally, accent lighting highlights specific areas within the display, such as cabinets, office furniture, etc.  Mood Lighting Mood lightings, such as fairy and coloured lights, is commonly used to establish a particular ambience and create a specific mood. Lighting For Indoors And Outdoors Both indoor and outdoor lighting play crucial roles in the design process. Thorough planning is essential for this. Lighting typically enhances the atmosphere and improves the overall quality of life. Proper lighting is also a factor in maintaining the health of our eyes. Today, there are a variety of energy-efficient bulbs that can be used for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Lighting can illuminate a particular object in space and enhance its effects and ambiance in an office setup. In addition to considering aesthetics and quality, outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring safety by illuminating areas where public interactions occur.  

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