Car pooling halt in Karnataka – Ola and Uber riders affected

Car pooling halt in Karnataka – Ola and Uber riders affected

Car pooling or share ride in Karnataka is halted immediate effect.   The Karnataka Transport Department on 28th June directed popular cab aggregators Ola and Uber to withdraw car pooling feature from their mobile applications immediately.

While the drivers are happy about the ban on car pooling, the move is likely to affect and disappoint passengers who regularly use share services, known for being cheaper than the regular cab services. 

Ola and Uber Services :

Ola and Uber may have had a great year with the homegrown ride hailing service getting funding, while the international company reached its IPO landmark.

But coming as a bump in this glorious path is Karnataka government’s order to both the companies to withdraw their pool services in Bengaluru.

Ola & Uber drivers reaction to halt Car pooling :

The drivers pointed out that both companies did not have the licence to provide carpool service. They had also been protesting against the hassles faced during pooling services, which includes passengers frequently arguing or fighting with each other and issues related to women’s safety.

However, both Ola and Uber said the car-pooling services enables customers to save money and fuel.

Ola’s investment :

Ola has been in the news lately. It recently announced a strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Group,  where Hyundai and Kia Motor Corporation, both part of the same group, will make a combined investment of $300 million in the ride-sharing platform. 

Last month, it raised Rs 650 crore in funding from Sachin Bansal, Co-founder of Flipkart. In January, Sachin had invested Rs.150 crore in the company  and committed additional funding. The ride-hailing aggregator has already raised $74 million led by Steadview Capital as part of its larger $2 billion round.

Public Reaction :

Ola Share and UberPOOL, the ride-sharing features from the two aggregators, enjoy popularity among commuters and have been hailed as practical solutions to traffic congestion. The transport authority’s previous attempt to ban the carpooling feature in 2017 saw opposition from transport experts. 

Public are not happy about the ban of car pooling by the Government.  Banning car pooling is definitely not the way out.  With last mile connectivity and lack of public transport infrastructure, car pooling is much more better than having 4 different/separate cars on the road.

According to public ride sharing is legal as long as it involves cost sharing and the owner/driver of the said car is not flouting the law to make a profit. Owners of private cars involved in car pooling in India do not require a special permit.

Ola share banned during night :

Recently Ola Ride-Sharing was blocked by taxi aggregator Ola at night between 11 pm and 6 am  due to the safety of the passengers and the driver’s earnings.

Commuters will not be able to use ola ride-sharing to work through taxi aggregators ola.

Bengaluru, where Ola is headquartered, is also its single largest market in the country. The city is estimated to have 120,000 cabs, out of which around 65,000 operate on the Uber and Ola platforms interchangeably, state authorities and experts said. 

This isn’t the first run-in for a ride hailing firm with the Karnataka authorities. 

Recently, Ola and other cab aggregators which operate bike taxis have been facing the heat from the Transport Department. In February, transport officials seized close to 500 such bike taxis for operating illegally.

Car Pooling / Ride-sharing :

Thousands of commuters rely on ride-sharing to get to places as it is affordable.  But nobody knows whether it remains permanent.  The facility was stopped earlier this week.

The passengers pay 30% to 60% less by sharing the cab with others travelling on the same route.

Road space – car pooling / ride sharing :

The ride sharing or car pooling was well appreciated for its role in reducing congestion by carrying more people in less vehicles. The decision was a disappointing news for a lot of people who work late in the night.

Ola talked about “ease of use”, “lower prices”, and “decongesting cities”, they do not take responsibility for the passenger’s safety. The companies do guarantee passenger safety even after the rider has boarded the cab.

In a country where fake identity proofs are so common, allowing strangers to share rides can be risky.

To know more about Ola self drive service by Ola click on the link https://bangalorean.com/blog/business/self-drive-service-ola-investment-500-million/

Jaladhare – water supply project – Bengaluru

Jaladhare – water supply project – Bengaluru

Jaladhare drinking water supply project is a big  project, which will be implemented by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department.  The project aims to provide piped water supply to every village in the state.

Raising a loan for Jaladhare project :

The State Government of Karnataka is planning to raise a loan of US $400 million which comes to about Rs.2,800 crore from Beijing head quartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to fund drinking water supply project Jaladhare.

Key numbers under the Jaladhare project :

Estimated cost of Jaladhare project :  Rs.53,000 crore

Supply target – 85 litres per capita per day

Coverage : 4.02 crore rural population

Water Requirement : 78 tmcft

Live storage capacity in reservoirs/dams : 665 tmcft.

Aim of Jaladhare project :

The Jaladhare project aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households over a period of 7 years in the State of Karnataka.  This project cover a population of 4 crore people. 

Water for the project will be drawn from reservoirs, canals and perennial rivers.

Funding for the project :

The Central Government has cleared the loan proposal for water supply project and the Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs has recommended Jaladhare Project for AIIB Funding. 

If the project gets approved, this will be the 2nd project from Karnataka to be funded by the Beijing headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). 

The first project funded was to construct the Gottigere-Nagavara Metro line at a cost of $335.

With Jaladhare project, the Government is planning to redo water supply.  The main focus will be from ground water to surface water.

According to Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, “from 1985, Karnataka invested heavily on ground water-based supply schemes.  But due to recurring drought, ground water has failed and the investment has become redundant”.

Jaladhare in phases :

The first phase of Jaladhare covers Raichur, Vijayapura, Kolar and Mandya Districts.

  • Raichur gets water from Narayanapura and Tungabadra reservoirs.
  • Vijayapura gets pipes water from Almatti and Narayanapura reservoirs.
  • Mandya gets water from KRS and
  • The source of water for Kolar is from Yettinahole project. 

The project Yettinahole plans to cover Kolar, Hassan, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur and Bengaluru rural districts. 

The cost for these 4 districts will be amount to Rs.6000 crore.

Second phase of Jaladhare covers Belgavi, Kulbargi and Shivamogga.

Bhavana Pradyumna – Spreading carnatic music across the globe

Bhavana Pradyumna – Spreading carnatic music across the globe

Bhavana Pradyumna- Founder President of the Carnatic Conservatory of Paris (CCP), Paris, France, and Pradyumna Kandadai- Founder Secretary of the CCP has been enthusiastically spreading the joy of Indian Carnatic Music, across Europe.

She is also the founder/promoter of two of the most popular Facebook pages (Indian Carnatic Music in Paris) and (Carnatic Conservatory of Paris) serving Indian music and dance.

About Bhavana Pradyumna :

Bhavana Pradyumna is an accomplished Carnatic Musician and a Bharata Natyam Dancer. Having a Masters degree in Carnatic Music from the University of Madras, she had her initial training under the guidance of her mother Vidushi Padmamalini Raghunandan and Vidwan Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma.

She has rendered many concerts in the last 14 years in India, USA and Europe, being an All India Radio artist, entitled  ‘Ramanuja Paaduka Sevaka’ for her contribution in the field of Carnatic Music. Bhavana also provides Vocal support to Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam Arangetrams and programs.

Bhavana is one of the co-founders of Kalavardhini, an institution of Fine Arts in India, having worked as an Artist Affiliate at Emory University (USA), at the Kalaivani Dance and Music Academy, Atlanta (USA) with Guru Padmaja Kelam teaching Bharata Natyam and Carnatic Music.  

Bhavana is presently undergoing advanced training under the tutelage of World renowned Slide Instrumentalist, Composer and Guru – Shri, Chitravina N Ravikiran and Shri, Chitravina Narasimhan – renowned through out the world for his unique teaching methodology that created many child prodigies .  

Early music life of Bhavana Pradyumna :

Bhavana was introduced to formal music education at the age of 6. Her Mother, Vid| Padma Malini Raghunandan was her first teacher. She guided her until Bhavana Pradyumna got her Master’s Degree in Carnatic Music, from Madras University.

Having moved to the United States, Bhavana Pradyumna continued her musical journey as a disciple of Sangeeta Kala Nidhi Vidwan Chitravina Ravikiran. She was blessed to take the tutelage of Vidwan Chitravina Narasimhan at the same time. Bhavana is also a trained Bharata Natyam danseuse. She was the disciple of Vidwan Malini Ravishankar.

Carnatic Conservatory of Paris  Bhavana Pradyumna :

It has been Bhavana and her husband Pradyumna Kandadai’s ever focused endeavor to find ways to contribute a drop to the ocean of Carnatic Music. Carnatic Conservatory of Paris (CCP) is one such initiative based in Paris, France.

CCP creates new platforms, brings together artists, collaborates with new artists and legends alike, presents highest quality of music and collaborates with artists of high quality, with whom CCP can take the beauty of Carnatic Music and Indian Arts to a world audience. CCP offers two major Calendar events to provide a platform for talent and also collaborate with high quality artists, legends.

In the past years, CCP has conducted more events across two countries and has provided an opportunity to more than 30+ artists, comprising of seven different nationalities, to perform at these flagship events.

CCP provides scholarships for students to gain access to high-quality Carnatic music. Through such endeavors, Bhavana Pradyumna aims to embody CCP’s objective “To Promote Diversity and Harmony through Music and Dance”.

Paris Tyagaraja Aradhana by Bhavana Pradlyumna :

It is the annual aradhana of saint composer Tyagaraja. Carnatic musicians from all over the world descend and pay homage to the saint. The aradhana is observed on Pushya Bahula Panchami day when the saint attained samadhi.

According to the tradition, every year, musicians and devotees pay homage to Sri Tyagaraja by rendering his ‘Pancharatna kritis’, the five jewels.

Nritya Naada by Bhavana Pradyumna :

It is a brain child of Bhavana to create an international platform to bring together artists and allow for new collaborations. Bhavana has successfully collaborated with artists in India and Europe to present soulful events.

‘CarNic’ a new genre :

She is the founder of a new genre called “CarNic” music, which is a collaboration of Carnatic music with electronic music. She has also been exploring collaborations with Fado and Jazz musicians. We may soon get to hear new projects from her, in these creative fields.

She resides currently in Paris, France teaching carnatic music and dance.

Prosperity and Poverty – 2 faces of Bengaluru

Prosperity and Poverty – 2 faces of Bengaluru

Prosperity and poverty – prosperous Karnataka State’s poor secret.   Poor access to State healthcare and drinking water are the two major woes of the State.

The economy of Karnataka State is predominantly agrarian. In the total State Domestic Product, the contribution of agriculture and allied activities is 37 per cent. 65 per cent of the work force in the State depends on agriculture. 

Features of Karnataka Economy :

Karnataka economy is largely service oriented and income from the sector contributes half the state’s GDP with the agricultural and the industrial sector contributing to nearly 25% each. The major manufacturing oriented industries in the state include: Sugar. Paper.

Karnataka statistics :

Karnataka’s per capita State income was Rs.1,83,737 in 2017-18.  This was above the per capita National Income of Rs.1,12,835. 

According to the 15th Finance Commission the State’s poverty rate is at 21%.  Karnataka State has not fared well on the healthcare front.  The reason may be the frequent transfer of officers running the health programs. 

Traditional ploughing – Karnataka

Karnataka being IT capital of India, known as the home of technology and startups it is very difficult to explain why the poverty rate is very high.  The expected poverty rate is below 20%. 

Health care access – Prosperity and poverty :

Healthcare is a casualty as the citizens comprises of poor and middle class families among the elite and rich in the State.  There are many private hospitals but  very few can afford them.  

People who are poor has to either go in search of government hospitals or an NGO run hospital.  The other option is to visit the government run hospitals at Bengaluru city. 

Travelling to these hospitals in the city is also tiresome.  The roads are congested and the distance to travel is gruesome. 

Present scenario :

There is very poor agricultural growth rate and incomplete irrigation projects dragging for years as only 33% of the State’s area was irrigated. 

Karnataka took up several projects but the net result of these projects are not reflected in the performance in agricultural sector.

In the last 6 to 7 years, agriculture is either stagnant or shrinking.  It is -0.3%. 

Per-Capita Development Expenditure :

The per capita development expenditure in Karnataka during 2014-15, 2015-16(RE) and 2016-17(BE) was Rs.13928, Rs.15591 and Rs.17413 respectively as compared to all State’s average of Rs.10437, Rs.13545 and Rs.14404.The high percentage of committed revenue expenditure to revenue receipts (78%) in 2016-17(RE) reveals that the State has limited flexibility in allocation of its resources for new schemes.

Hence the need of the hour is expenditure rationalization/ re-calibration.

Non-tax Revenue :

The ratio of non-tax revenue to total receipts has been continuously declining over the years. This is due to low recovery of costs. In many departments, the revision of user charges, fees & fines and other such non-tax receipts have not taken place for many years. Even with revision of rates and better collection mechanisms, increase in revenues from this avenue may not be large due to existing low base.

State’s Borrowings :

The State’s borrowings are more expensive than the loans advanced by the government. The recipient boards and corporations are unable to service the loans given to them by the State government in view of low recovery of cost of their services from the consumers.

The debt to GSDP ratio has gone up, while it still remains below 20%.   In future there will be pressures from all sides to spend more.  There has to be caution on how finance-through more revenues rather than more debts.

Current Fiscal Challenges and Way Forward :

Despite the State’s broad successes in its fiscal consolidation efforts, the State government faces many fiscal challenges arising from limited potential for resource mobilization relative to GSDP, rigidities in the form of committed expenditure, and weak linkages between expenditure and development outcomes.

Compulsory Kannada in Schools – Bengaluru

Compulsory Kannada in Schools – Bengaluru

Compulsory Kannada in schools is being implemented according to S.R.Srinivas, Primary and Secondary Education Minister.

The Kannada language will be compulsory in all schools across all boards. Students from Class 1 to Class 10 will be taught Kannada in all the schools.

Statement by Minister:

S.R.Srinivas, who is the Primary and Secondary Education Minister instructed all the Deputy Directors of Public Instructions (DDPIs) and Block Education Officers (BEDs) to make sure to implement compulsory Kannada Act or else get ready to face action.

AS per the Act, every school in Karnataka State including those affiliated to CBSE and ICSE boards are instructed to teach Kannada as first or the second language.

According to the Minister it is a State Act and is mandatory for schools to follow the same.

Reaction of Private Schools :

Private schools in the Karnataka State demanded to issue an order from the Central Government. 

According to D.Shashi Kumar, General Secretary, Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka, “We hope the minister convenes a meeting with us and understands the real difficulties in implementing the compulsory Kannada Act.  The private schools are not against implementing Kannada, but the authorities concerned and the government must know the difficulties we are facing”.

There is provision to learn only two languages in the schools affiliated to ICSE. 

Girish Koushik – 63rd Grandmaster – Bengaluru

Girish Koushik – 63rd Grandmaster – Bengaluru

Girish Koushik is the 63rd Chess Grandmaster.  The feat  is a testimony to Grisih’s talent.  His father Arun Kumar is a business man and coach to Arun Kumar. 

The Elite group :

Girish Koushik went to Europe to play in three tournaments in May and June 2019 with a rating of 2444 and 1 GM norm. His first GM norm was scored all the way back at the World Juniors in 2011.

Girish’s first tournament was the Llucmajor Open where he scored his 2nd GM norm and also gained 25.4 Elo points.

In the second event of the Europe trip, which was the First Saturday June edition, Girish scored his final GM norm and also gained 20.3 Elo points.

This completed his norm requirements for the GM title and took his live rating to 2489.7. Girish then played at the Balaton International Chess Festival 2019 GM round robin event and gained 11 points, thus reaching a Live rating of 2500.7.

Girish Koushik :

The 1997 born Girish Koushik becomes India’s 63rd GM and the third from the state of Karnataka after Thejkumar and Stany.

Speaking to ChessBase India after his phenomenal achievement, Girish said, “It feels amazing to achieve my GM title. Especially, because I didn’t have any preparation before these 3 tournaments. I had just finished my 8th semester B.E exams on the day of departure!”

Girish is not only a GM but also an electronic engineer! When he was a young kid Girish had become the Asian champion in under-8, 10, 12, 14 and 16! He had won multiple national and world titles as well! It was achieved through sheer will power and belief. That same qualities were on show as Girish defied all odds and overcame his long break to achieve his cherished dream of becoming a grandmaster.

Education of Girish Koushik :

Girish became academically inclined and started to pursue Electronics and Communications Engineering in RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru. It seemed like India had lost a GM. Not quite true. The moment his 8th semester got over Girish packed his bags and left for a three tournament Europe trip in May-June 2019.

The 8th semester at the RV college of Engineering had just come to an end. Girish Koushik couldn’t wait to catch a flight and play in the three tournaments that he had planned during May and June 2019. They were the Llucmajor tournament in Spain, First Saturday June edition in Hungary and Balaton GM Round Robin also in Hungary.

Girish wants to devote more time to chess. He wants to pursue his masters.  He is looking out for a good sponsor. 

Water crisis – Are we ready Bangaloreans ?

Water crisis – Are we ready Bangaloreans ?

Water crisis is looming on Bengaluru.  The city  is facing an acute water shortage and among the worst hit are newly-developed areas and IT corridors.

The fact that Bengaluru is under “water stress or water crisis” cannot be denied. The term is used to refer to pressure on water resources which causes problems like shortages.

According to a study by Indian Institute of Science (IISc), namma Bengaluru the city will become inhabitable in the next few years if its population continues to grow at this alarming rate. This population growth has put a strain on the city’s natural resources and led to the depletion of lakes and wells.

Coalition for water security  is needed :

Ground water levels have dried up to an extent that now water crisis is no longer a problem else where but here.  It has come knocking at our doorsteps.  Apartments in the city have almost run out of water and with being no rains the situation is very grim. 

Need of the hour is to the metro city like Benglauru should learn to manage their water needs through local resources instead of demanding the same from distant places. 

Water management to overcome water crisis problem :

Officials and experts admit the growth of the city has put pressure on its water resources, particularly because in the last few years alone more than 100 villages have been absorbed into this rapidly expanding metropolis, known as India’s Silicon Valley.

Water management is very crucial to Bengaluru.  Sustainable water management steps includes effective rain water harvesting, widespread ground water recharging.  The most basic step being management of available water resources among others. 

The average rainfall in Bengaluru is considered enormous from the State’s average rainfall context and if the same is managed effectively and responsibly, we can make the city self-sufficient.   

It is time to start de-congesting Bengaluru and to develop other towns of the State.

Over exploitation of natural resources :

A recent report has said the south Indian city of Bangalore could be doomed, like Cape Town in South Africa, to face the threat of running out of drinking water.

The demand by Bengaluru city on natural resources of the state cannot be allowed to continue to rise perpetually.

It is not only the water resources in Bengaluru, which is under serious threat but different elements of the nature all over the State.  The natural resources of the State which are now being over-exploited at an alarming pace, must be adequately protected. 

Demand for water :

The demand for water had almost tripled recently as borewells are drying up.  The major problem is borewells that we draw water are drying up, leading to a severe demand and supply gap.  The decreasing levels of group water put water tankers in the limelight as most residential areas in the city depend of these tankers for drinking water.

Due to the unavailability of other sources of water has led to deep-rooted tanker business that is monopolizes and uses the citizen’s helplessness to their advantage with unauthorized high prices. 

Apart from the scarcity of water and the exorbitant prices of these tankers, the water provided by these tankers is of poor quality and unhygienic.

Bengaluru Topography – water crisis :

Bengaluru the city is a dry, elevated plateau that was made habitable by the wisdom of the natives, who planted trees and forests to attract rains, and built lakes to harvest rain water. The fallacy of modern engineering approach in problem solving has reversed this wisdom and made the situation worse in the past 50-100 years.

Each year, as Bengaluru’s water decreases and population increases, the government is faced with the daunting task of ensuring that water reaches all. Due to the problem of water mafias and infrastructure that has not kept pace with time, the common man is the worst hit.

Causes for water crisis :

Years of rapid urbanization, a swelling population and poor water management have led to drying taps, falling groundwater levels and filth-frothed lakes that can burst into flames.

The city is paying a heavy price for its success since marketing itself as a tech hub in the late 1990s.

While job opportunities have soared in the sprawling city, millions have no piped water and instead rely on an army of privately-run tankers that suck water from wells inside and outside the city and deliver it to homes.

Dead lakes :

One of Bengaluru’s  problems is a lack of water storage.  Monsoon downpours take just minutes to spurt through Bengaluru’s overburdened pipes and onto the streets.

The city floods rapidly because only 4% to 9% of its rainfall seeps into natural aquifers that hold water underground.

Bengaluru was built around a series of lakes that acted as rainwater reservoirs and recharged the aquifers, providing a renewable source of water.

But the lakes have been under attack by urbanization, encroached by real estate projects and left foaming and frothing as toxic effluents, sewage and trash produced by industries and homes fill them.

‘Scary’ Future :

A business-as-usual attitude and lack of political will threaten Bengaluru’s ability to deal with growing water threats.

The South African city of Cape Town’s countdown in 2017 to a “Day Zero”, when taps were predicted to run dry, highlights the risks that lie ahead for many Indian cities. 

Chennai scenario :

Bangaloreans does not want to face the Chennai scenario.  Chennai is a city gone dry due to water crisis.  The situation is Chennai is when natural causes meet the man-date ones.

Chennai’s four main reservoirs are at a storage level of less than 1%.  Chennai used to be water-surplus metropolitan cities of the country till a couple of decades ago. Following the age-old water conservation tradition of Tamil Nadu, Chennai had nearly two dozen water bodies including three rivers and a British period Buckingham canal. Today, it is reduced to half a dozen.

After seeing the grim situation at Chennai, hope Bangaloreans will wake up now.

Conclusion :

Wake up Bengaluru.  It is not very far when you open the tap and only air comes out of it. 

Individuals and government bodies need to work together for this common goal and our decisions today will decide whether Bengaluru will lose it water war or gain water security.

If both the government and citizens take conserving water seriously, one can change the tide of crisis.

Tonique – Asia’s biggest liquor store at Bengaluru

Tonique – Asia’s biggest liquor store at Bengaluru

Tonique – Touted to be Asia’s biggest liquor store is all set to open in Benglauru City and it’s in the centre of the city at the corner of M.G.Road.

It is located at the beginning of MG Road, near the Cubbon Park side. It is the  ‘Jewels de Paragon’ building!   It isn’t just one floor, but two glorious floors of all kids of spirits. 

Tonique :

Tonique is an independent beverage consultancy with a focus on beverage education and experiences. They are the perfect partner for corporate or home events and cocktail experiences. 

The purpose of Tonique is to provide an unparalleled beverage experience to each of clients by sharing a high level of industry expertise and know-how.

Tonique provides unbiased and independent consultancy and hospitality.  They promises  to exceed and excel in providing the highest caliber of independent and commercially unbiased beverage knowledge, expertise, advice and training for clients. 

Other outlets – Tonique Hyderabad :

The first outlet of Tonique in the country was at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad.  The Bengaluru outlet has a stock over 1,500 brands of alcohol from across the world.  The stock includes fine wines and whiskeys to liqueurs such as Kahlua and Cointreau. 

It is called as a liquor mall.  One can buy brewing supplies to make craft beer, bottle openers and things one needs to set up a bar at home. 

History of Tonique :

In the year 2017, Anith Reddy the dynamic owner of Tonique started the business in an area spread of 15000 sq. ft. in Hyderabad, which also gives the status of being a mall for liquor than just a mere wine store.

It has a wide range of more than 1500 liquor brand in which more than 500 are only of wine category. It has a collection of wines and whiskeys to liqueur from all over the world.

They have a wide range of New World countries wine from South Africa to New Zealand and Australia. They also have included a wine tasting room where sommeliers from all over the world can taste the wine and pair with their food.

Owner of Tonique :

Tonique is owned by young and wine apassionado Anith Reddy whose family has coal mines in Bellary. He says it was his passion to make the biggest retail liquor and wine store first in India, then the world.

He is also planning to import brands directly from the foreign producers. Tonique does not only have products to offer but also the service of the experienced staff, who can guide and educates the customers to match their preferences.

The rates at Tonique :
  1. Chivas Regal Ultis Blended SW : 750 Ml : Rs. 22,980.00 per bottle
  2. The Glenlivet Nadura Single Malt SW : 700 Ml : Rs. 8620 per bottle.
  3. Scapa Skiren Single Malt SW : 700 Ml : Rs. 8990.00 per bottle
  4. Scapa Glanza Single Malt SW : 700 Ml : Rs. 9540 per bottle.
  5. Glenfarclas 12 YO Single Malt SW : 700 Ml : Rs. 5180 per bottle
  6. Chivas Regal 15 YO SW : 750 Ml : Rs. 6690 per bottle.
  7. Ballantine’s 15 YO Single Malt SW : Rs. 6980 per bottle
Vigyan Samagam – Science exhibition at Bengaluru

Vigyan Samagam – Science exhibition at Bengaluru

Vigyan Samagam: Pushing The Frontiers of Science’ a science exhibition will be held will be held in Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum from 29 July-28 September.  It will be a mega science exhibition showcasing India’s participation in international science projects.

The Vigyan Samagam is an effort of the Department of Science and Technology (DST),  Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and National Council for Science Museums (NCSM).  

Department of Science and Technology in India :

India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy.

In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary for the country to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow’s technology.

The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other.


Importance of science exhibition – Vigyan Samagam :

 In education, the term exhibition refers to projects, presentations, or products through which students “exhibit” what they have learned, usually as a way of demonstrating whether and to what degree they have achieved expected learning standards or learning objectives.

The science exhibition is an important factor to motivate the students toward science. The science exhibition contributes their social developments. The exhibition increases the skills of the presentation and increases the interest in being scientist and engineer.

Vigyan Samagam :

Vigyan Samagam exhibition will traverse you through the world from micro to macro, unveiling the efforts of the international community in understanding the Universe. It will showcase India’s participation in the world’s major Mega Science projects, where several developed countries are participating collectively.

What to expect at Vigyan Samagam exhibition :

Vigyan Samagam exhibition will take one through the workings of the Universe. From discovery of the Higgs particle to that of gravitational waves from merger of neutron stars and black holes, these projects throw light on crucial questions related to the origin of the Universe and its evolution through its various stages.

The Mega Science Projects in which India is participating are the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), ‘Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research’ (FAIR), ‘India-based Neutrino Observatory’ (INO), ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’ (ITER), ‘Laser Interferometer Gravitational – Wave Observatory’ (LIGO), ‘Thirty Meter Telescope’ (TMT) and ‘Square Kilometre Array’ (SKA) for this purpose. All these projects will be showcased during the Exhibition at a single place.

Exhibition at different places :

Vigyan Samagam will be a multi-venue Science Exhibition conducted for 11 months in the cities of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and New Delhi. The Exhibition in Mumbai opened for visitors from 8th May, 2019 and closes on  7th July, 2019 at Nehru Science Centre, Worli.

After Mumbai, it will be in Bengaluru from 29th July 2019 to 28th September 2019 at Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum. It will then be open to public at Kolkata from 4th November, 2019 to 31st December, 2019 at Science City. In its final leg, it will reach New Delhi at the National Science Centre from 21st January, 2020 and will close on 20th March, 2020.

The organizers DAE and DST and NCSM have planned this Mega Science Exhibition of a global stature in a unique way and with a distinct objective. The Exhibition will not only showcase India’s contribution to international collaborations on fundamental science and research but will also provide a common interactive platform for Mega Science Projects, industry, academia and institutions.

Format of the exhibition – Vigyan Samagam :

The Exhibition will have themed-based galleries of posters, working models and exhibits, informative audio-visual content and electronic displays and interactive kiosks will be setup for each of the Mega Science Projects.

The inaugural event at every venue will be followed by a two-day scientific event comprising invited talks and lectures by eminent speakers from the field of science, technology and industry.

The exhibition will also aim to connect with school children, students and aspirants who want to pursue fundamental science and research as a strong career option. It also provides a unique platform to all stakeholders for cross-fertilization of ideas.

Participants at Vigyan Samagam :

Vigyan Samagam will have the presence of prestigious organisations such as CERN, FAIR, INO, ITER, LIGO, TMT and SKA. The audience would also include invited members from various scientific organisations, industry and academia.

Coinciding with the scientific discussion during the first two days at each venue, industry partners working with the participating Mega Science Project Groups will set-up expo at the venue to showcase their contributions.

As part of project awareness activities, each participating Project will be carrying out week-long activities consisting of popular talks, science demonstrations, interactive quiz programs, etc.

Connecting with School Children, Students: A key objective of Vigyan Samagam:

The major attraction of the Vigyan Samagam is an exhibition ‘Accelerating Science’ which has travelled all the way from the prestigious internationally acclaimed scientific research institution CERN (European Union of Nuclear Research), Geneva, Switzerland.

One of the attractions showcases at the Vigyan Samagam exhibition is LIGO-India, an ongoing enterprise to set up a new gravitational wave detector, on Indian soil based in Aundh, Maharashtra.  The project is jointly funded by the DAE and DST.

The current generation of school students are the future leaders who will be taking active participation in the mega-science projects, therefore, creating awareness about such mega-science projects among them is one of the main important objectives of the mega exhibition.

Website :

In order to reach out to people at large and get them involved with this Exhibition Vigyan Samagam has launched a website www.vigyansamagam.in where people can get more information about it. It will soon launch a mobile application Vigyan Samagam.

Events such as talk shows, lectures planned during the Exhibition at each of the four places will be streamed live through popular social media platforms.

Exhibition will be open on all Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays at Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum and the timing will be from 10 am to 6 pm.

Violation of Traffic Rules – cost heavier

Violation of Traffic Rules – cost heavier

Violation of Traffic Rules – has become very expensive.  According to the new traffic rules of the Motor Vehicles Act Amendment Bill, violation of traffic rules attracts a minimum of Rs.1,000/- fine and a maximum of Rs.1,00,000/- lakh.

The other traffic violations inviting heavy fines are:

Not giving way to Ambulance attracts Rs.10,000/-

Traffic violations now attracts a penalty of Rs.500/- in place of Rs.100/0 and disobedience of order of authorities will attract a minimum penalty of Rs.2000/- in place of Rs.500/-

A Minor/Juvenile driving vehicle attracts a fine of Rs.25,000/- (case will be filed against parent or guardian) Registration of the vehicle will be cancelled.

Overloading of Vehicles or goods vehicle exceeding the load limit will be fined Rs.20,000/-

Fast/Rash/ over-speed driving attracts a fine of  Rs.1,000/- to Rs,2,000/-

Driving without wearing Seat Belt and Helmet attracts a fine of Rs.1,000/0 and suspension of Driving Licence for 3 months.

Driving without Insurance attracts a fine of Rs.2,000/-

The driving training process has been strengthened under the proposed law. To help road accident victims, Good Samaritans guidelines are incorporated in the bill.

New traffic rules implementation at Bengaluru :

  • Using mobile phone while riding/driving attracts Rs.1,000/- from 28th June 2019. previously Rs.100/- was fined.
  • Penalty for parking in non-designated places, over-speeding and riding/driving vehicles without insurance Rs.1,000/-
  • Driving Motor Vehicles without registration, the fine will be Rs.5,000/- for the 1st time and Rs.5,000/- for the second and subsequent offences.
  • Driving Vehicles without Fitness Certificate (FC) attracts Rs.2,000/- fine 1st time and Rs.5,000/- for he second and subsequent offences.
  • Non-parking offence attracts Rs.1,000/0 instead of Rs.100/- This fine excludes towing charges.
  • Penalty for 2 wheelers including towing charges – Rs.1650/- and penalty for 4 wheelers including towing charges will be around Rs.2,000/-

Traffic offences fine highlights :

Exceeding speed limit :

Earlier – Rs.300/- Revised – Rs.1,000/- if driven by self and

Rs. 500/- if driven by employee/driver

Driving without insurance :

Earlier – Rs.500/- Revised – Rs.1,000/-

Driving dangerously/suing mobile while driving/carrying goods with load projection of either side in dangerous manner

Earlier – Two wheelers Rs.300/- Non-Transport Rs.400/- and Transport Rs.500/-

Revised – Rs.1,000/- first offence and Rs.2,000/- subsequent offence.

Driving vehicle without registration :

Earlier – Rs.1,500/- for first offence and Rs.3,000/- for 2nd offence

Revised – Rs.5,000/- for first offence and Rs.10,000/- for second offence

Driving vehicle without fitness certificate :

Earlier :

Auto  Rs. 500/- first offence and Rs.1,000 second offence

Maxi cab Rs.1,000/- 1st offence and Rs.2,000/- 2nd offence

Goods Rs.1,500/- 1st offence and Rs.3,000/- 2nd offence

Buses Rs.2,000/- 1st offence and Rs.4,000/- 2nd offence

Others Rs.1,000/- 1st offence and Rs.2,000/- 2nd offence

Revised : Rs.2,000/- for first offence and Rs.5,000/- for subsequent offence

Stage Carriage Conductors :

Earlier Failing to accept fare  Rs.100/-

Fails or refuses to supply ticket Rs.100/-

Invalid ticket Rs.100/-

Providing ticket or lesser value Rs.100/-

Failing to check pass/ticket Rs.100/-

Revised to Rs.500/-

Reaction of Bengaluru citizens :

Motorists int he city are not happy with the change in penalty rates. they are furious over the hike in no-parking fine as there are no spaces for parking in Bengaluru. the traffic police have not put the no-parking boards at many places but when parked in theses places collect fines blatantly.

The traffic police in Bengaluru are launching a special drive from 28th June 2019 to create awareness among riders/drivers about the recent increased fines.

Be a responsible citizen, drive carefully.

Fourth Industrial Revolution – Job Creation

Fourth Industrial Revolution – Job Creation

Fourth Industrial Revolution – Two key elements that are pushing everybody toward a workforce crisis are Rapidly advancing technology which is bringing fundamental change while workers with the skills required for future’s businesses are becoming increasingly rare. These factors are widening the skills gap.

The growing skills gap is most noticeable in roles that relate directly to future’s major technologies, including AI, IoT, and mobile applications that are the driving force behind heightened customer expectations.

The world is on the verge of the Fourth Industrial Revolution “that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another. In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before.”

“The future is not preordained by machines. It’s created by humans.”

Predicting future :

In the future up to 47% of jobs may be automated away, while other predictions are more cautious, suggesting a figure of only 9%.

The future, and even the present is bright with possibility. The machine learning revolution has really kicked in. For the first time, machines can now see better than humans can, read street signs, and even diagnose cancer.

Erik Brynjolfsson director at the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy sees real potential in the continuing development of cognitive computing technologies, such as deep learning and deep neural networks.

The digital dawning of computer intelligence will bring better healthcare, and create billions of dollars in the value of industries utilizing the new technologies, potentially even trillions.

Future Proofing :

The thinking moves on from what may happen in the future, to how one should prepare for it.  It is about ensuring young people have the correct skills to prosper whatever may come.

Fourth Industrial Revolution :

The phrase Fourth Industrial Revolution was first introduced by Klaus Schwab, the executive chairman of the World Economic Forum,  in a 2015 article in Foreign Affairs.

“Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution” was the theme of the World Economic Forum Annual meeting 2016 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. On October 10, 2016, the Forum announced the opening of its Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the fourth major industrial era since the initial Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres, collectively referred to as cyber-physical systems.

Industrial Revolution history :

The most known example of technological revolution was the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the scientific-technical revolution about 1950–1960, the Neolithic revolution and the Digital Revolution and so on.

The notion of “technological revolution” is frequently overused, therefore it is not easy to define which technological revolutions having occurred during world history were really crucial and influenced not only one segment of human activity, but had a universal impact. One universal technological revolution should be composed from several sectoral technological revolutions (in science, industry, transport and the like).

One can identify several universal technological revolutions which occurred during the modern era in Western culture.

  • 1. Financial-agricultural revolution (1600–1740)
  • 2. Industrial revolution (1780–1840)
  • 3. Technical revolution or Second Industrial Revolution (1870–1920)
  • 4. Scientific-technical revolution (1940–1970)
  • 5. Information and telecommunications revolution, also known as the Digital Revolution or Third Industrial Revolution (1975–present)

Impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution :

The World Economic Forum report on FIR concludes that the fourth industrial revolution will have an undeniable impact on job scenarios across the world – disrupting erstwhile, well-established businesses, bringing sweeping changes to labor markets, and changing business models on the foundation of emerging economic theories.

It states that casualties in administration, office, manufacturing, production and construction activities will be of significance.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution will affect most industries. Some will cease to exist; many will transform, riding the wave and reinventing suit market dynamics. And that’s the only way for companies to stay relevant.

The coming together of India – Fourth Industrial Revolution :

India’s place in the world is unique.  India should benefit from it and there will be a spur in job creation.  According to industrialist Baba Kalyani, “India is in a very unique position to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and do some amazing things that it had missed out on in the past.”

When India changed its focus from cheap labor to a skilled workforce, technology and capital-intensive sectors, it became more competitive.

Apprehension about revolution :

The revolution is likely to increase inequality in the world as the spread of machines increases markets and disrupts labor markets. More than 65% of India’s workforce lives in rural areas, with relatively inadequate access to basic amenities. Water is scarce, sanitation is rudimentary, daily life is led through primitive means. 

Skill India :

The answer lies in establishing well-rounded foundations and skilling.  According to Subramanian Ramadorai, Chairman of the National Skill Development Agency, “It’s the ‘Indian Difference’ that will be at play during the Fourth Industrial Revolution,”.

There is the size of India providing a potentially huge market access. Secondly, there is the very appealing demographic dividend with youth representing approximately 20% of the global workforce by 2020. Thirdly, there is a rising middle class, the next big spenders.

India is expected to become the fifth largest consumer market in two decades. Within this context, any form of consumption, entrepreneurship, startup or industry, can be viewed as a scaling opportunity.

Private and public sector: tackling the challenge :

It’s important to understand how the evolution of technology creates opportunities and implications on how industry and markets operate and evolve. Higher education institutions need to think ahead and establish purpose-driven collaborative partnership opportunities with industry in order to share challenges, ideas and co-create solutions to real-world challenges.

The Skills Gap : 

As the need for the future skills economy evolves to become more interdisciplinary with critical soft skills becoming essential, organizations will need to adopt a new approach to learning. The public sector needs to consider how to better prepare students for future work-integration based on the skills-of-the-future today.

Higher education and organizations both need to prepare the next generation for the mindset of lifelong learning. Lifelong learning can take many forms including attending events such as conferences, team workshops, innovation challenges, as well as taking skills courses and certifications.

This shift also needs to take into account how one assess a prospective employee’s qualifications. No longer is a degree sufficient, now the future employer will recognize the individual’s portfolio of work, which may include startup pitches, code projects or creative designs that can take on many forms from data visualizations to illustrations.

The future of the jobs :

What is certain is that the new generation will become increasingly diverse and analytical in their way of thinking. They will continuously adopt new skills and be more adaptable to frequent changes in the workplace and in their roles, as new job roles start to open up and certain skills become obsolete.

According to a World Economic Forum report, ‘The future of the Jobs’ , here are the 10 skills you will need for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

  1. Complex Problem Solving
  2. Critical Thinking
  3. Creativity
  4. People Management
  5. Coordinating with Others
  6. Emotional Intelligence
  7. Judgement and Decision Making
  8. Service Orientation
  9. Negotiation
  10. Cognitive Flexibility
Conclusion  :

India is a population of 1.2 billion people and its resources are stretched to say the least. It is still left wanting for basic amenities like clean drinking water, 24-hour electricity, means of livelihood, education and food for all and quality primary and secondary healthcare.

In such atmosphere, driving growth and managing expectations of the populace mean central and state government certainly has their work cut out for them.

Parity between rich and poor with considerable focus on income creation will be the order of the day. However, India has to rework the way it has historically dealt with issues. The world around it is changing; businesses are undergoing transformations, the fundamentals of most industries are changing, consumption patterns are being reinvented.

Amid all this, what Indians must change immediately is their mindset and be open to new ideas. What worked may not work anymore, so there is prudence in reinventing – and those who govern and those who are governed have to, together be the change while driving that transformation.

Cybercrime on rise in Bengaluru 5 times more in last 4 yrs.

Cybercrime on rise in Bengaluru 5 times more in last 4 yrs.

Cybercrime are increasing in Bengaluru.  In the last 4 years the cybercrime has increased 5 times more.   A total of 5,036 cases were filed in 2018, or 13.8 cases per day, as opposed to 2,023 cases in about nine months of 2017. 

Experts and officials have attributed the high reporting of cybercrimes in Bengaluru to higher incidences and greater awareness among residents, among other factors. 

Bengaluru, being the technology hub and the top destination for IT jobs, has become the favorite target for cyber criminals.

What is cybercrime ?

Cybercrime also known as computer-oriented crime, is a crime that involves a computer and a network.  The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target.

Cybercrime can be defined as: “Offences that are committed against individuals or groups of individuals with a criminal motive to intentionally harm the reputation of the victim or cause physical or mental harm, or loss, to the victim directly or indirectly, using modern telecommunication networks such as Internet (networks including chat rooms, emails, notice boards and groups) and mobile phones (Bluetooth, SMS, MMS)”.

Cybercrime may threaten a person or a nation’s security and financial health. Issues surrounding these types of crimes have become high-profile, particularly those surrounding hacking, copyright infringement, unwarranted mass-surveillance, sextortion, child  pornography and child grooming.

Scenario at Bengaluru :

Bengaluru also has the dubious distinction of being the cybercrime capital of India with a steep rise in the number of cyber frauds.


Experts and officials have attributed the high reporting of cybercrime in Bengaluru to higher incidences and greater awareness among residents, among other factors. 

The awareness about cybercrimes in Bengaluru among people is still quite low. More attacks, poor disposal rate, high reportage but not many cyber staff at the stations create detrimental circumstances. The city is planning to site up 8 new cybercrime stations. 

The rising number of cybercrimes in Bangalore is indeed quite concerning as the number of cybercrimes in the city is only increasing with each passing year.

Cops and public are helpless – Bengaluru

Phishing, data theft, identity theft, online lottery, cyber attacks, job frauds, banking frauds, cyber-bullying, online blackmailing, morphing, revenge porn, cyber hacking, child pornography, cyber grooming, cyber-stalking, data diddling, software piracy, online radicalization — the dark web of cybercrimes is spreading across the world and India is one of the hotspots of this digital crime.

The cops in the city are helpless as the crime branch is short staffed.  Many do not report loss of money or honor because of losing integrity and  shame. Many do not  even tell their families that they have lost money in online frauds.

Chances are that more and more criminals are using the dark web. Those fighting cyber crime in Bengaluru say that most cases are not detected  because of dark web.

The dark web in Bengaluru :

An increasing number of cyber criminal instances are using the dark web — the encrypted part of the internet that cannot be tracked — to shop for software that helps them remain anonymous while carrying out their crimes.

The dark web is a part of the deep web, the non-indexed part of the world wide web that cannot be accessed by standard search engines such as Google and requires encrypted networks such as Tor browser. 

Bitcoin transactions are the preferred mode of payment for purchases on the dark web as they cannot be traced. 

How does one access the dark web?

The dark web is accessed by anonymous networks with the most well-known one being the TOR browser, short for “The Onion Ring”. It is a free software that users download from the Internet to anonymously access the dark web.

Developed in the mid-1990s by the United States Naval Research laboratory employees to protect US intelligence communications online, it is termed so as the traffic from the browser creates several layers like those of an Onion before reaching the destination site.

Upside to the dark web?

The network is also used by several activists especially those living under oppressive regimes to communicate without any government censorship.

The TOR network was used by activists during the Arab Spring and is known to have been used by Chinese citizens. It is known to have large virtual libraries available for researchers and students.

Other modes :

With increasing use of mobiles, the coverage and cheaper data, a lot of people now have access to the internet even while on the move. This has exposed unsuspecting ones to fall prey to online fraudsters.

Many become victims of sexual exploitation after being made to share personal details while some others use the new media like WhatsApp to spread fake news to create troubles.  

There have been many  lynching incidents in the country in the past couple of years after fake messages about child lifting and cow slaughter were spread through social media.

Hacking the mind of a hacker :

A hacker lives on the dangerous by-lanes of the internet—the dark web. Accessible only through browsers designed to promote anonymity and confuse law enforcement, the dark web is where the criminal elements of the internet hang out. 

A hacker see a fork on the road, one that could take them towards using their power to make code dance to their tunes for the good, the other that takes them to the direction where they could also wreak havoc.

To know about cyber crime police station at Bengaluru click on the link https://bangalorean.com/general/new-cyber-crime-police-stations-at-bengaluru/

Niranjan Mukundan – Bengaluru Para Swimmer – 5 gold medals

Niranjan Mukundan – Bengaluru Para Swimmer – 5 gold medals

Bengaluru Para Swimmer Niranjan Mukundan got 5 gold medals at Norwegian Swimming Championships 2019 (Ado cup) at Norway.  

Mukundan won 5 gold medals in the 50 M butterfly, 200 M IM (Individual medley), 200 M breast storke, 100 M freestyle and 50 M breast stroke events at the Norwegian Swimming Championship 2019.

This championship marks an important event in Nirajan’s swimming career.  With this, he has cross 50 medals mark.

Niranjan Mukundan :

Niranjan Mukundan (born 4 September 1994) is an Indian para-swimmer. He was crowned as the Junior World Champion in the year 2015.

Niranjan was born in Bengaluru with Spina bifida;  he has an incomplete development of the spinal cord and clubbed feet. With the support of his parents, he started learning swimming and progressed very quickly.

He underwent as many as sixteen surgeries. He was advised by the doctors to undergo swimming to strengthen his leg muscles. His mother took him to the swimming club in Jayanagar, Benglauru and it is here that coach John Christopher spotted and promised to turn him into an international level swimmer.

He is been coached by John Christopher, Miguel Lopez Alvarado.

Niranjan attended the Jain University in Bengaluru for higher education.

Swimming career of Niranjan Mukundan:

Niranjan claimed the silver medal twice in 50m butterfly at the Paralympic nationals in Mumbai in  2004–2005 and Kolkata in 2005-2006.  At the state aquatic championships in Bengaluru he won silver medal in 2007 and bronze in 2009 in Water Polo.

Year 2012 was a fruitful one for Niranjan at the national swimming championship in Chennai.  He  won three gold medals, one silver in swimming and one bronze in Water Polo.  Niranjan won his first international medal, a bronze in 200m freestyle at the IDM German Swimming Championship in Berlin.

National and International achievements :

In 2013 he won more international medals at the IWAS World Junior Games in Puerto Rico, clinching two silver in 100m freestyle and butterfly along with two bronze medals in 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle.  He soon became world number 17.  At the 13th para national swimming championship in Bengaluru, he won one gold, a silver and two bronze medals.

At the 2014 IWAS World Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville, U.K,. Niranjan won a whopping eight medals, three gold, two silver and three bronze.

On 1 November 2015, he won the state’s prestigious Kannada Rajyotsava Prashasti. He also received the National Award (best sportsman with disability) for his exceptional achievement in the field of sports, at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi.  He won 10 medals (7 gold and 3 silver) in the World Junior Games held at Stadskanaal, Netherlands and was also crowned as the Junior World Champion.

At the 2016 IWAS Junior World Games in Prague, Czech Republic, Niranjan won eight more medals, also three gold, two silver and three bronze. He was honored to have delivered the athletes’ oath in front of his fellow competitors.


Norwegian Swimming Championships 2019 (Ado cup) :

Based on disability in the men’s group, there are categories for physical, intellectual disability and for people who are blind.  Swimming competition is conducted according to the categories of disability and caliber.

Mukundan rank 14 in the world and 3rd in India.  His hope is to come in top 10 in the world by the end of this year.

In December 2008, Mukundan suffered ankle injury and underwent a major surgery, which forced him out of atleast 2 months.

Awards and recognition of Niranjan Mukundan :

  • 2016 – Ekalavya Award
  • 2015 – National Award for Best Sports-person of the Year by Government of India.
  • 2015 – Achiever’s Award from Dr. Chenraj Roychand, founding Chairman, The JGI Group.

Bangalorean.com team good wishes to Niranjan Mukundan. 

International Yoga Day 2019 – Bengaluru

International Yoga Day 2019 – Bengaluru

International Yoga Day 2019 is being celebrated today. June 21 marks the fifth International Yoga Day. 

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self – The Bhagavad Gita, Hindu Scripture.  

The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to “attach, join, harness, yoke.” While there are no specific history on its chronology or specific origin other than the fact that yoga developed in ancient India, one cannot deny that yoga as a form of practice as innumerable mental and physical health benefits. 

International Yoga Day history :

International yoga day celebrates yoga, an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice.  Today, yoga, which originated in India, is one of the world’s most popular pastime activities. 

In September of 2014, India’s Prime Minister proposed the establishment of an International Day of Yoga to promote international peace and cooperation.  His request was granted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014 in an effort to highlight the benefits of yoga to physical well=being and to world peace and development. 

On June 21st 2015, the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated worldwide, leading to a new Guinness Record for the largest yoga lesson, consisting of nearly 36,000 participants in India’s capital New Delhi.   

Yoga Day celebrations at Bengaluru :

Many yogapreneurs and training clubs in Bengaluru are hosting various public sessions to mark the day. On this International Yoga Day, VR Bengaluru is turning to be a place to celebrate tranquillity and meditation.

Inorbit mall, whitefield – Yoga day :

Inorbit Mall Whitefield is hosting yoga sessions to enhance health and happiness. These sessions will be held in association with the Art of Living Foundation. Trained yoga experts and instructors will take through the different asanas and exercises to help to overcome distress and soothe  mind, body and soul.

Rossé Fem Social, a women leisure hub is collaborating with VR Bengaluru mall, Whitefield, to host a yoga session that will cover asanas, meditation and body alignment. 

International Yoga day– events at Bengaluru :

All-day free yoga:

Fitness centre chain Cult.Fit will be holding free yoga sessions at all its Cult and mind centres between 6 am and 10 pm.  Each session will be up to 50 minutes and will include a mix of meditation, introduction and basics of yoga.

Dancing Yoga :

At Kendriya Vidyalaya, MEG Auditorium, Ulsoor school students presented yoga demonstration in dance.  The event  was organized by the Tourism Ministry.

Yoga and Herbal Tea :

Arogya mandira in Rajajinagar is distributing free yoga booklets and herbal tea.  A lecture on meditation and practical session was held in the presence of Yoga master Brahmacharya.

Benefits of Yoga :

Maintaining a regular yoga practice can provide physical and mental health benefits.  The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body

The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Other physical benefits of yoga include:

  • increased flexibility
  • increased muscle strength and tone
  • improved respiration, energy and vitality
  • maintaining a balanced metabolism
  • weight reduction
  • cardio and circulatory health
  • improved athletic performance
  • protection from injury

Mental benefits :

Aside from the physical benefits, one of the best benefits of yoga is how it helps a person manage stress, which is known to have devastating effects on the body and mind. Stress can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life.

Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.  Body- and self-awareness are particularly beneficial,  because they can help with early detection of physical problems and allow for early preventive action.

Types of Yoga :

There are more than 100 different forms of yoga. Some are fast-paced and intense. Others are gentle and relaxing.

Examples of different yoga forms include:
  • Hatha – The form most often associated with yoga, it combines a series of basic movements with breathing.
  • Vinyasa  – A series of poses that flow smoothly into one another.
  • Power  – A faster, higher-intensity practice that builds muscle.
  • Ashtanga –  A series of poses, combined with a special breathing technique.
  • Bikram – Also known as “hot yoga,” it’s a series of 26 challenging poses performed in a room heated to a high temperature.
  • Iyengar-  A type of yoga that uses props like blocks, straps, and chairs to help you move your body into the proper alignment.
Intensity Level: Varies with Type :

The intensity of yoga workout depends on which form of yoga one choose. Techniques like hatha and iyengar yoga are gentle and slow. Bikram and power yoga are faster and more challenging.

Areas It Targets :

There are yoga poses to target just about every core muscle. Want to tighten those love handles? Then prop yourself up on one arm and do a side plank. To really burn out the middle of your abs, you can do boat pose, in which you balance on your “sit bones” (the bony prominences at the base of your pelvic bones) and hold your legs up in the air.

Yoga is a sport that can contribute to development and peace.  Yoga can even help people in emergency situations to find relief from stress – UN General Secreary, Bam Ki-moon.

Practice yoga. Stay healthy mentally and physically.

Nanna Prakara – Kannada crime-suspense-thriller movie

Nanna Prakara – Kannada crime-suspense-thriller movie

Nanna Prakara – is a Kannada crime and suspense thriller directed and written by Vinaybalaji.  The movies is produced by Gururaj.S and Co-producer is Kiran Talasila.

The story of the film has 3 genres “Crime – Suspense – Thriller’  with three separate stories and that finally connect to each other like a jigsaw puzzle and promises to make the audience to be an edge of seat outing.

It is a title with good thought. ‘Nanna Prakara’ is often used in the conversations. The issue of what is right and wrong is dodging in mind. With one incident several developments take place. It is a combination of four scripts. Some of the issues don’t get remedies in life.

Cast and crew of the Movie Nanna Prakara :

Cast includes Priyamani, Kishore Kumar.G., Pramod Shetty, Vaishnavi Chandran, Mayuri, Girija Lokesh, Honnavalli Krishna, Arjun Yogesh, Niranjan Deshpande.

Music is composed by Arjun Ramu and Cinematography by Manohar Joshi.  The Film is edited by Satish Chandraiah. 

The film is being produced by GVK combines, Gururaj.S. Kiran Talasila.

The movie Nanna Prakara is a movie by Krishnamurthy, Govind, Jagadish, S Chandrasekhar, and R Venkatesh. These people happen to be the first time investors for the movie.

The dialogues for the movie have been handled by chandan Kumar and the lyrics are by Jayanth Kaikini, Kiran Cauverappa, Khushi and Prem. 

Story line of Nanna Prakara :

The Story is based on Crime and Suspense-thriller with three separate stories that eventually connect to each other. It is based on the philosophy of karma- “what goes around ,comes around.”It is all about consequences whether good or bad.

The actual incidents are hidden from reality of the world. The investigation deals with finding out the Truth.

According to Vinay, each and every character is a suspect and makes audience to think – who is the antagonist?

The movie is about consequences whether good or bad.

Vinay Balaji – Director / Writer :

Vinay Balaji – Director of Nanna Prakara

Vinay Balaji is yet another talented film maker and is ready with his debut “Nanna Prakara”.  He is a multi talented technician who is a degree holder in VFX from ZICA (Animation, VFX and Design Institute).

He also directed short movies like ‘Paisa’ (Winner of Best concept, Mumbai Short Film Festival 2014) and ‘Camera’. 

It was while shooting for the short film ‘Camera’ Vinay found a layer of storyline of ‘Nanna Prakara’.

Vinay has worked with Directors like A.Harsha and Naresh as a spot editor and as an assistant editor for Ganesh (Anjaniputra fame).

Kishore Kumar G – Lead role in the Movie :

Kishore Kumar is essaying  the role of a cop by name Ashok in the movie.  What draws Kishore to a movie is the character he gets to play and the social relevance of its script, irrespective of the language.

Kishore Kumar G born 14 August 1974) commonly known as  Kishore, is born in Karnataka who has worked in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema.

Kishore was a student of (AU) National College, Bengaluru where he started off with theatre doing plays in Kannada such as Teregalu and Samrata Ashoka. He then did his masters in Kannada literature from Bangalore University.

He took up teaching in a college in Bengaluru where he worked for two years and then as a part-time fashion designer worked under fashion designer Vidyasagar, a professor from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Priya Mani – Female lead role :

Priyamani will be portrayed as a doctor by name Dr. Amrutha in the movie.  Her debut in Kannada film field was with Puneet Raj Kumar in the movie Ram.

Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer  born on 4th June 1984,  professionally known as Priyamani, is a multilingual film actress and former model, who works in Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi language films. She has established a career in regional Indian films, and is the recipient of a National Film Award for Best Actress and three Filmfare Awards in different-language films.

Priyamani, born to Vasudeva Mani and Latha Mani  and raised in Bengaluru.  Her mother is a former national badminton player. She has  worked as a model before pursuing a career in films. In 2002, she made her acting debut with a leading role in the Telugu film Evare Atagaadu (2003), a box-office flop.

She gained widespread recognition for her role as village girl Muththazhagu in the Tamil romantic drama Paruthiveeran in 2007, receiving a National Film Award for Best Actress and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil for her performance.

She married Mustafa Raj on 23rd August 2017.

Priyamani’s kannada movies include :

Ram Priyamani’s debut movie in 2009

Yenno onthara in 2010

Vishnuvardhan in 2011

Charulatha in 2012

Annabond in 2012

Lakshmi in 2013

Ambarisha in 2014

Dana Kayoonu in 2016

Kalpana -2 in 2016

Idholle Ramayana in 2016

Kathe, Chitrakathe, Nirdeshana Puttanna in 2016

Vyuha in 2016

Chowka in 2014

Dwaja in 2019

Nanna Prakara in 2019

Awards won by Priyamani :

2006 – National Film award – Best actress

2006 – Tamilnadu State Film Award – Best actress

2007 – Film Fare award – Best actress

2008 – Film fare award – Best actress

2011 – Sandalwood State Award – Bes Supporting actress – Vishnuvardhan

2012 – Film fare Award – Best actress for Chaarulatha

2012 – SIIMA Award – Best Actress for Chaarulatha

2012 – Suvarna Film Award – Best Actress – Chaarulatha

2015 – Asiavision Television Award – Best Celebrity Judge – D2-D4 Dance

2015 – Asiavision Television Award – Best Celebrity Judege – D3-D4 Dance

2016 – Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu – mana Oori Ramayanam

2018 – TSR TV9 National Film Award – Best Actress – Kannada movie – Dwaja

Rocky – the dog in Nanna Prakara :

Priya Mani is a pet owner and animal lover, so when she got the offer to act in Nanna Prakara, she grabbed it with both hands –  specially since it features a dog too.

In the crime-thriller, she is paired opposite Kishore, who are the loving pet parent of a Labrador named Rocky.  Priyamani says, “I loved filming with Rocky.  In the film, he plays a very important part of Kishore’s and my life, whose characters don’t have any off-springs.  So he’s almost like a son to them.  Some scenes will make you fall head-over-heels in love with him, like the one where Rocky’s dog buddies and girlfriends visit him on his first birthday.  He’s such a  well trained disciplined and talented dog and one of the best, most handsome co-starts I’ve worked with.  If another dog movie comes my way, I’m definitely taking it up, even if I have to act for free.”

Mayoori Kyathari :

As orphan growing with NGO service experiencing trouble from a small issue is what Mayoori Kyathari performs as Vismaya in the movie.

Mayuri Kyatari is an actress and model. Kyatari began her career in the Kannada soap opera Ashwini Nakshatra. She became very famous and a household name through the same until she debuted in the Kannada movie Krishna Leela.

Kyatari was born to Geetha and Prakash Kyatari in Hubli, Karnataka and was brought up there.  After doing her schooling in Hubli’s St Micheals, she completed her Pre-university at Fathima College in Hubli.  She graduated in Commerce from Oxford college at Hubli. She was also an Anchor for 4 years during her career in the industry.

In 2015, Kyatari entered the Kannada film industry. She first signed for the Kannada Drama film Krishna Leela. The movie was successfully completed 100 days and gave her the fame enough to be cast for Nagathihalli chandrashekhar’s next film Ishtakamya opposite Vijay Suriya along with Javya Shetty.  She has worked with Sharan in a movie called Nataraja Service.  

Pramod Shetty :

He acts as character Kumar in Nanna Prakara.

Making his acting debut in 2014 with the crime comedy-drama Ulidavaru Kandanthe, Pramod Shetty is an Indian film actor, known for predominantly appearing in Kannada movies. Mainly seen playing supporting roles, Pramod has movies like The Plan (2015), Ricky (2016), Kirik Party (2016), Kinare (2018), Churikatte (2018), Days of Borapur (2018) and Sarkari. Hi. Pra. Shale Kasaragodu, Koduge : Ramanna Rai (2018)

Pramod Shetty is known for his work on Kirik Party (2016), Churikatte (2018) and Ricky (2016). He has been married to Supreetha Shetty since December 27, 2010.

ACB Raid at Different places

ACB Raid at Different places

ACB raided places of 4 officials on corruption charges.

Searches are being conducted on at 14 different places in the State for alleged disproportionate assets against public servants.  The officers under scrutiny are :

Narayanaswami M B, Joint Commissioner tax appeals 5, Shantinagara, Bangalore.

Raids are being conducted by in coordination of teams of ACB Mysuru range, Central range and City officers.    Early morning ACB raid was conducted at the residence of  Mr. Narayanaswamy, Joint Commissioner, Tax Appeals.  Different places where raid  was conducted are Bengaluru, Kolar and Chintamani.

Residence of Mr. Shivappa, Father-in-law of Mr. Narayanaswamy residing at Antharagange Road, Kolar is been raided. 

Houses at Jayanagar, Bengaluru and at Madarakallu Village, Chintamani Taluk are also raided at the same time.

Arshad Pasha, Junior engineer, Panchayath raj engineering subdivision, Piriyapattana, Mysuru :

His resident at Udayagiri, Mysuru and also his office premises at Pririyapatna Division, Mysuru was also raided.

Dr Shivashankar, Manager, BAMUL Ramanagara Dist,  Appeals section of commercial tax dept :

His house situated at Arkavathi layout, Ramanagara and his relatives house at Doddaballapur and office premises of Bamul Ramanagar Division, Ramanagar were raided.

Channegowda H S, Asst Engineer, Special subdivision, PWD, Hassan :

His houses at Hemavathinagar, Hassan and his relatives residing at Hassan were raided. His office premises at Hassan was also raided.

The raid s were conducted by Chikkaballapur  ACB under DYSP Mr.Venkatesh Naidu.

Cases have been registered at ACB Police stations of Chikkaballapura ACB and ACB Mysuru. The assets and seized papers are being verified. 

Plastic packaging still unbridled in Bengaluru

Plastic packaging still unbridled in Bengaluru

Plastic packaging is still rampant in Bengaluru.  The people of Bengaluru are still being haunted by plastic menace. 

Plastic packaging continues to be a major contributor to the city’s overflowing landfills. Plastic is widely used in our day to day life. Starting from a pen to a polythene bag in which we carry fruits and books are forms of plastic. Though convenient in our day to day use, it has posed an alarming threat to the environment.

A shop stocks hundreds of plastic packaging covers to pack and one finds dozens of such shops on any busy street in Bengaluru.

Banned plastic packaging items :

No person including shop keeper, Vendor, wholesalers, retailers, trader, hawker or salesmen shall use plastic carry bags, plastic banners, plastic buntings, flex, plastic flags, plastic plates etc. are supposed to use plastic items. All the above mentioned items are banned by the BBMP.

BBMP Inspection :

The medical officer of health (MOH) from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) raided shops in the Jayanagar Assembly constituency and slapped Rs 1.5 lakh fine on four shops for using plastic covers.

In 2016, the state government imposed a blanket ban on manufacturing, storing, distributing and using single-use plastics such as carry bags, flex banners, plates, cups and spoons. 

Hazards of plastic usage :

Plastic – Plastic bags- an environmental hazard. The problem created by the use of plastics bags is primarily due to shortcomings in the waste management system. Indiscriminate chemical additives pose environmental problems including choking open drains, ground water contamination, etc.

Plastic is non-biodegradable and do not decay by biological actions of microbes. They remain in the same state as we throw them. So, dumps or garbage are created making our cities and soil polluted.

Toxic chemicals leach out of plastic and are found in the blood and tissue of nearly all of us. Exposure to them is linked to cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption and other ailments.

Harmful Chemical :

To destroy plastics, we can either recycle or burn them. If we burn plastic, they emit harmful chemical gases like carbon dioxide (CO,), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrous oxide (NO), methane (CH4), sulphur dioxides (SO2), etc. These gases pollute our environment, though in negligible content, they add to green house effect and endanger our environment.

Damage Sanitary System :

The wastes of plastic block pipes and sanitary lines so that dirty water came out on roads. This cause fear of malaria, cholera and other diseases.

Ecosystem Imbalance :

Due to wide scale use of plastic, water, soil and air pollutions are caused. These polluted components of environment lead to imbalance of various ecosystem of the Earth.

Only solution to this plastic hazard is to take preventive measures and for that,

a. To reduce use of plastic wherever possible

b. To use recyclable bags and things

c. To recycle the used plastic

d. Not to throw used plastic here and there

e. To collect the used plastic by the Government and then to recycle them

f. Only recyclable plastics should be allowed to use

g. Some legal norms should be declared.

How plastic is bad for the environment?

A dead albatross chick with plastic marine debris in its stomach

Chlorinated plastic can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil, which can then seep into groundwater or other surrounding water sources and also the ecosystem of the world. This can cause serious harm to the species that drink the water. Landfill areas contain many different types of plastics.

Chemical Migration from Plastic Packaging into Contents :

People are exposed to these chemicals not only during manufacturing, but also by using plastic packages, because some chemicals migrate from the plastic packaging to the foods they contain.

Examples of plastics contaminating food have been reported with most plastic types, including Styrene from polystyrene, plasticizers from PVC, antioxidants from polyethylene, and Acetaldehyde from PET.

Find alternatives to plastic products whenever possible. Some specific suggestions:
  • Buy food in glass or metal containers; avoid polycarbonate drinking bottles with Bisphenol A which causes  diabetes and diseases of the heart and liver.
  • Avoid heating food in plastic containers, or storing fatty foods in plastic containers or plastic wrap.
  • Do not give young children plastic teethers or toys
  • Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and furniture
  • Avoid all PVC and Styrene products
Benefit of reusable bags :
  • Because plastic bags are made from oil, reducing them would decrease foreign oil dependency.
  • Start preserving the thousands of marine animals and more than 1 million of birds who die from plastic bags each year.
  • Paper bags also pose a problem. Americans consume more than 10 billion paper bags per year which translates into approximately 14 million cut down trees. Think of how reusable bags can save our trees.
  • Also conserve water as paper production requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of water (not to mention the toxic chemicals involved in processing).

Small shops in Bengaluru city are doing their bit but it is the retail giants who are flouting the rules.  Vegetable vendors and small shop owners are buying paper bags, while some of the  retail giants are still using plastic bags.


Cross border investments – Bangalore in top 10 in APAC list

Cross border investments – Bangalore in top 10 in APAC list

Cross border investments – Bengaluru entered the list of top 10 cities that attracted maximum cross-border investment in Asia Pacific (APAC) for the 1st time.  It will be receiving over USD 1.6 billion last fiscal according to property consultant CBRE.

APAC :

Asia-Pacific (abbreviated as APAC) is the part of the world  in or near the Western Pacific Ocean. The region varies in area depending on which context, but it typically includes much of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania.

APAC’s members include accreditation bodies, accreditation focal points and other organisations that have an interest in accredited conformity assessment results.

APAC is recognized by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as one of four APEC Specialist Regional Bodies (SRBs) that support the work of the APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance.

Cross-border investments :

Cross-border investment refers to the net inflows of investment to acquire a lasting management interest (10 percent or more of voting stock) in an enterprise operating in an economy other than that of the investor

Cross-Border Transactions include both outbound and inbound transfers of property, stock, or financial and commercial obligations between related entities resident or operating in different tax jurisdictions.

CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, – Cross border investments :

CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd. –  India’s leading real estate consulting firm’s Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey 2019 findings revealed that Bengaluru – the capital city of Karnataka- for the first time has featured in the list of top ten destinations for cross-border investment across Asia Pacific.

The survey revealed that India was among the top five preferred markets in APAC on the back of the launch of the first Real Estate Investment Trust – REIT (Embassy-Blackstone) and the resulting improved market transparency. The drivers for this trend were new infrastructure and potential growth opportunities in the market.

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust :

The first REIT by Embassy Group and Blackstone Group LP was launched in India in March this year and it is expected to catalyse investments in the country.

Improved investor sentiment in office assets is likely to expose potential quality buildings as a fundraising avenue for developers and also propel major corporations to lease/purchase space in these development.

Preferred investment destination :

Bengaluru featured as the first Indian city in the list of preferred investment destination on the basis of its growing reputation across the globe as the home base to several international corporates,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO, India, South East Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE.

Bengaluru city with a significant talent base and world-class infrastructure offers several investment grade options in office, retail, as well as residential segments,

Bengaluru is considered as one of the fastest growing cities in India with the presence of important players from the areas of information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and other sectors.

Money and Borders :

Cross-border investments in a changing global marketplace – Governments appear to have become bigger players in economic affairs, and we may be entering an era in which nationalist ambitions will make globalization more difficult to manage.

What is clear is the need for companies and funds pursuing cross-border investments to adapt their investment strategies and operations to function effectively at the intersection of government, business and finance.

The upside story on cross-border investment is one that companies can use to good advantage. Inbound and outbound investments confer substantial benefits – they create employment, stimulate R&D, generate tax revenues, and enhance competition.

Private Universities under Scanner in Bengaluru

Private Universities under Scanner in Bengaluru

Private universities are under scanner in Bengaluru.  An Expert Committee will look into the functioning of private varsities.  The Committee is formed by the State Higher Education Department to study the functioning of private universities.

Meaning of Private universities :

Private universities or private colleges are typically not operated by governments, although many receive tax breaks, public student loans and grants.

Depending on their location, private universities may be subject to government regulation. This is in contrast to public universities and national universities. Many private universities are non-profit organizations.

State Private Universities :

A State Private University is a university established through a State/Central Act by a sponsoring body viz. A Society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, or any other corresponding law for the time being in force in a State or a Public Trust or a Company registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.

Difference between a public university and a private university :

The major difference between public universities and private colleges  lies in how they are funded. This affects students because funding is tied to tuition prices. Most public universities and colleges were founded by State Governments.

Today, State Governments pay for most of the cost of operating public universities. They also oversee these institutions through appointed boards and trustees.  This influx of public money is why tuition is lower at a public university. The real cost of an attendance is subsidized.

Meanwhile, private colleges don’t receive funds from state legislatures. They rely heavily on tuition and private contributions. This means tuition rates are generally higher.

Private colleges tend to be much smaller than public universities and may have only a few thousand students. Public universities and colleges can be big, and some are huge. 

University Grants Commission :

Universities in India are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which draws its power from the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. Private universities in India  are regulated under the UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003.   Per the UGC act and these regulations, private universities are established by an act of a local legislative assembly and listed by the UGC in the Gazette upon receiving the act.

As confirmed by ruling of the Supreme Court of India,  recognition by the UGC is required for the university to operate.  Also per the 2003 regulations, the UGC sends committees to inspect the private universities and publishes their inspection report.

The UGC publishes and regularly updates the lists of private universities.As of 18 September 2017, the UGC list of private universities lists 279 universities. The earliest date of notification is that o of Sikkim  Manipal University, 11 October 1995. The newest addition to this list of Universities approved by UGC is Quantum University.

Expert Committee :

The expert Committee will visit private universities and higher education institutions before submitting report.

The committee is been directed to look into infrastructural facilities like Laboratories, class room or library at academic buildings and the working of the administration.

The committee will also check whether private universities have adequate facilities for teaching, research, examination and extension services.

Terms of reference :

  1. Availability of infrastructure as per the Act
  2. Details of supporting the body and its activities before the establishment of the university and thereafter
  3. Various academic and administrative activities of the university
  4. Financial status of the university and its fiscal feasibility
  5. Appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff and their salaries
  6. Admission mechanism adopted by the university
  7. Fee regulation measures
  8. Conduct of examination, issuing of degrees
Four-member panel –  Private Universities :

A four member committee is headed by Dr.D.Ayyapa who is a former Vice-Chancellor of Alliance University.  The committee will be visiting all the 18 universities present in the State of Karnataka. 

The Committee will be looking into the administration, affiliations status from respective national agencies, academic standards, availability of infrastructure and in case any violations, a report will be submitted in 15 days.

The first phase covers 11 universities in the state. 

Alliance university –  an example of private university :

Alliance University is a private university that was established in 2010 in Bengaluru. Alliance University was one of the first private universities in the state of Karnataka along with Azim Premji  and was established under state legislation.

The sponsoring body of the university is Alliance Business School Pvt. Ltd, run by the Angur family, and until 2016 the university’s chancellor was Madhukar Angur.

As early as 2014 disputes within the Angur family began interrupting the management of the university. In 2015 Madhukar Angur removed his brother, sister and other family members from the board and filed police charges that they had stolen money and mismanaged the university. In February 2016 Madhukar Angur was arrested on charges of raping his niece, then released, and further rape allegations were made the next month.

Around April 2016 Madhukar Angur was fired as chancellor and replaced by his brother, Sudhir Angur and by June the power struggle within the family for control led to the university being closed for two weeks and semester-end exams were indefinitely postponed.

The university went on holidays two more times in 2016,  in September Madhukar Angur forcibly took back the chancellorship, and the next month his brother forcibly took it back.

Alleged irregularities at private institutions:
  • Violations of UGC guidelines in admissions
  • Not maintaining quality for lack of qualified teachers
  • Salaries of teaching staff not as per the guidelines
  • Violation of UGC norms in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, registrar, finance officer etc.
  • The launch of unauthorized study centres and off-campuses
  • Introduction of courses which are not under Section 22 of UGC Act 1956
  • Not updating information about courses, facilities, faculties, the fee charged and research
  • Profile on their websites.

Constitution of committee was needed for monitoring of the private universities.

Obesity – the silent killer on raise in Bengaluru

Obesity – the silent killer on raise in Bengaluru

Obesity known as the silent killer is on raise in namma Bengaluru.  What we need for a healthy life is just 30 per cent of what we eat, and another 70 per cent of what we eat only invites obesity and other diseases.

Obesity and mental health are interlinked. 

What some people may not realize is that obesity can also take a toll on mental and emotional health, making daily activities like socializing, dating and even traveling more challenging.

Taking steps to lose weight by making lifestyle adjustments could help ease the mental and physical burden associated with the condition.

What is obesity?

Junk food cause of Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health.  People are generally considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person’s weight by the square of the person’s height, is over 30 kg/m2 ; the range 25–30 kg/m2 is defined as overweight.

Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excessive food intake,  lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility.  A few cases are caused primarily by genes, endocrine disorders, medications or mental disorder.

Effects of obesity :

Obesity effects on human body

Obesity is a complex disorder involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Excessive body weight is also is associated with various diseases and conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis and asthma. As a result, obesity has been found to reduce life expectancy.

Public health :

The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that overweight and obesity may soon replace more traditional public health concerns such as under-nutrition and infectious diseases as the most significant cause of poor health.  Obesity is a public health and policy problem because of its prevalence, costs, and health effects.

Public health efforts seek to understand and correct the environmental factors responsible for the increasing prevalence of obesity in the population. Solutions look at changing the factors that cause excess food energy consumption and inhibit physical activity.

Management of Weight gain :

The main treatment for obesity consists of dieting and physical exercise.  Diet programs may produce weight loss over the short term,  but maintaining this weight loss is frequently difficult and often requires making exercise and a lower food energy diet a permanent part of a person’s lifestyle.

In the short-term low carbohydrate diets appear better than low fat diets for weight loss.  In the long term; however, all types of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets appear equally beneficial.  

Causes of Weight Gain and Obesity :

Obesity is one of the biggest health problems in the world.  It’s associated with several related conditions, collectively known as metabolic syndrome.

The factors that are leading causes of weight gain, obesity and metabolic disease are :

  1. Genetics – Some people appear to be genetically susceptible to weight gain and obesity.
  2. Engineered junk foods – Stores are filled with processed foods that are hard to resist. These products also promote overeating.
  3. Food Addiction – Some people experience strong food cravings or addiction. This especially applies to sugar-sweetened, high-fat junk foods which stimulate the reward centers in the brain.
  4. Aggressive marketing – Food producers spend a lot of money marketing junk food, sometimes specifically targeting children, who don’t have the knowledge and experience to realize they are being misled.
  5. Insulin – High insulin levels and insulin resistance are linked to the development of obesity. To lower insulin levels, reduce intake of refined carbs and eat more fiber.
  6. Certain medications – Some medications may promote weight gain by reducing the number of calories burned or increasing appetite.
  7. Leptin resistance – Leptin, an appetite-reducing hormone, doesn’t work in many obese individuals.
  8. Food availability – In some areas, finding fresh, whole foods may be difficult or expensive, leaving people no choice but to buy unhealthy junk foods.
  9. Sugar – Scientists believe that excessive sugar intake may be one of the main causes of obesity.
  10. Misinformation -. Misinformation may contribute to weight gain in some people. It can also make weight loss more difficult.

What foods should an obese person avoid?

What to Eat –

Food Pyramid to avoid obesity

Choose minimally processed, whole foods:

  • Whole grains (whole wheat, steel cut oats, brown rice, quinoa)
  • Vegetables (a colorful variety-not potatoes)
  • Whole fruits (not fruit juices)
  • Nuts, seeds, beans, and other healthful sources of protein (fish and poultry)
  • Plant oils (olive and other vegetable oils)

Drink water or other beverages that are naturally calorie-free.

Limit these foods and drinks:

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks)
  • Fruit juice (no more than a small amount per day)
  • Refined grains(white bread, white rice, white pasta) and sweets
  • Potatoes (baked or fried)
  • Red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats (salami, ham, bacon, sausage)
  • Other highly processed foods, such as fast food

How does weight affect mental health?

A new study showed that a weight-loss intervention can help overweight and obese people with serious mental illnesses—such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression—lose significant weight and keep it off. Medications to help control mental illness symptoms can increase appetite and encourage weight gain.

Link between obesity and mental health :

The link between mental health and obesity is complex and may vary based on individual like age, gender, race, ethnicity and culture or structural like nationality and region characteristics. Age may influence mental health causes or consequence of obesity and may moderate the mental health-obesity link.

Early adolescence and late adolescence are very different in terms of cognitive and social functioning.  Analysis of a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7-12 who had participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health suggested that only among the youngest adolescents, a significant link could be found between overweight and obesity on depression.

People are living longer than ever before, and paradoxically, that brings more problems.  Family dynamics and stress play an integral role in mental health. Extended families are not as geographically close today as in the past. Adult children are leaving home later, and their greater dependence on their parents contributes to more problems for everybody involved.

What is happening in Bengaluru ?

Obesity is slowly engulfing Bengaluru.  For every 10 Bangaloreans, 4 are obese.  The reasons are rapid urbanization, transformation to metro, lifestyle alteration and poor diet.

Obesity mainly is a result of changes in diet and physical activity. In the city the rise in obesity is due to factors known as the ‘nutrition transition.’ Urban areas, being much further along in the transition than rural areas, experience higher rates of obesity.

The city offer a greater range of food, usually at lower prices, and city work often demands less physical exertion than rural work.

The need of the hour is getting committed to a healthy way of life by eating low calorie diet and doing regular exercises for the rest of one’s life.

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Hoax calls leads to Jail term – Bengaluru

Hoax calls leads to Jail term – Bengaluru

Hoax calls can lead to jail term.  If the hoax call harms a person or if it results in any sort of loss, then it is considered a crime and a legal action will be taken.

The menace of hoax calls has increased over the past years and Bengaluru city finds itself on the list of victims.  Bengaluru gets many hoax calls but most of them go unreported. 

The punishment for these type of calls need special enactment.  There is no special enactment under which these culprits can be booked.  The quantum of punishment is less.

What is a Hoax call ?

A hoax call is a telephone call intended by the caller as a practical joke played on the person answering. It is often a type of nuisance call.

A hoax is a falsehood deliberately fabricated to masquerade as the truth. It is distinguishable from errors in observation or judgment, rumors, urban legends. Pseudo-sciences and April Fools’ day events that are passed along in good faith by believers or as jokes.

The psychology of hoaxing calls :

The reasons of what might cause people to hoaxing includes hoaxing

  • for amusement purposes,
  • out of boredom,
  • as an act revenge
  • as a way to gain fame and/or notoriety in some way
  • to gain attention such as faking illness (Munchausen’s syndrome)
  • to demonstrate cleverness (or a perception of cleverness) to others around them and
  • to disrupt the status quo (including terrorist and non-terrorist activity), and for political causes  (such as claiming to be a victim of a racist hate crime).

Majority of hoax calls arise from psychological problems. Such callers have no explanation for their action or when confronted express remorse.

Malicious and Prank Calls :

If a call’s purpose is to cause distress, if the caller uses abusive or sexually explicit language, or if the caller threatens, then it is a malicious call. Some people are unfortunate enough to receive a barrage of malicious calls, often at anti-social hours, and these can be very upsetting. Making a malicious call will be a criminal offence.

Prank calls are a type of malicious call that are sometimes carried out by kids ‘for a laugh’. The pranksters may order a taxi or pizza giving the victims address and phone number, or may make reverse charge calls to the victim. Some times calls that may at first appear malicious may in fact be less sinister.  

Legal issues :

Some hoax calls are criminalized in many jurisdictions, for instance if the call involves calling the emergency services, while others may be protected as freedom of expression.

Rudimentary criminal ‘pranks’ may range from simple telephone harassment to bomb threats.  More elaborate pranks rely on tricking the recipient into harmful behavior. 

Hoax calls at Bengaluru City :

Bengaluru has had to deal with many hoax calls.  Many hoax calls have gone unreported while some have been closed as they were ‘untraceable’.

Use of Technology to identify hoax calls :

Virtually all smart-phones, cordless phones and many wire-line handsets have built-in caller ID displays. Android and iOS smart-hones have the ability to block numbers that are suspect or have been identified as fraudulent or scammers; most regular landlines do not.

With ‘Truecaller’ and other similar apps.  one can immediately know who is calling. With advanced technology one can immediately trace the call and get their information.  Once the caller id identified a criminal case is registered on the basis of the severity of the call.

Caller ID technology can be easily exploited by scammers and fraudsters from anywhere in the world to display a false identity and locations. It is far too simple to obtain a phone number and to generate a false calling party name.

Reporting of hoax calls & nature of punishment :

As soon a person receives a hoax call, it should be reported immediately.  If the call is harming someone or results in any form of harm or loss, it is considered as a crime.  Legal action will be taken.  All calls cannot be considered as hoax calls.  The magnitude of the crime is taken into  consideration. 

If the offence is severe, the severe will be the punishment.  The punishment can vary from a two year jail term to life imprisonment. The major drawback is that not all hoax are officially registered. 

Reasons for making hoax calls :

Reasons for making hoax calls are many.  Sometimes it might be due to a dysfunctional family set-up.  It might be to due to negligent parenting.  Neglect leads to children turning a deaf year to everything. Sometimes it can be due to revenge or fear of missing flight.

A few cases of hoax calls in Bengaluru :

In August 2018 – Aditya Rao a resident of KHB colony in Manipal in Udupi district  made a hoax call to Kempe Gowda International Airport (KIA) to take revenge.  His job application  was rejected and this prompted him to take revenge on the authorities.    He made 4 calls to KIA.

His case is under trial in court.

In February 2019 –  a Bomb warning was given on the Surat-bound Air India flight.   Later the caller was identified as Prateek Rathore,  a 49 year old techie.  Prateek confessed making the call as he was running late and was worried about missing he flight.

His case is under investigation.

In April 2019 – a 65 year old  ex-army  man made a hoax call  claiming that major cities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Pondicherry Goa and Maharashtra will be hit by terror attach.

This case in under investigation.

In May 2019 – Name unknown.  A caller gave warnings to Air Asia  officials in Bengaluru city of possible danger to a flight.  The flight I5-588 as bound between Bagdpgra in  North Bengal to Kalkota. 

The case is under investigation.  

Method to Stopping a Prank Caller on a Mobile Phone :

Contact the police. If the call is threatening or harassing, it may violate local or state laws.  The methods to follow to stop the hoax calls are :

1)  Contact the police. If the call is threatening or harassing, it may violate local or state laws

2)  Screen-calls. The mobile phone should display the phone number of the hoax caller.

3)  Send hoax calls straight to voicemail.

4)  Block the hoax calls

5)  Using an app.

Ponzi scheme by fraudsters – Beware Bengaluru

Ponzi scheme by fraudsters – Beware Bengaluru

Ponzi scheme – by fraudsters are becoming a nightmare in Bengaluru city.  Bengaluru public went on a panic mode as  thousands fell victim to IMA ( I Monetary Advisory) jewel’s ponzi scheme by its owner Mohammed Mansoor Khan.  

Red flags had been raised about  IMA (I Monetary Advisory) way back last year.  But thousands of investors, majority from the muslim community failed to understand and get the real picture.

IMA Jewels – Ponzi scam :

Police have received around 8,500 complaints involving investments approximately worth Rs.1500 crore.   

On its website, IMA claims to have presence in bullion trading, educational academies offering pre-primary to higher secondary education, credit co-operative and housing society, health care services and a multispecialty hospital, hypermarkets and supermarkets, infrastructure and real estate development, printing and publishing and retail sales of gold, silver, diamond & platinum jewellery. 

Most of those who invested in the company belong to the minority community, working as auto-rickshaw drivers, beedi manufacturers, carpenters and street vendors.

Who is Mohammed Mansoor Khan?

Image mansoor khan

IMA or I Monetary Advisory Jewels was launched in 2016 and Khan was its promoter and Managing Director. Khan is believed to have houses in Jayanagar as well as Richmond town in the city. He also launched a second outlet of the jewellery store in Jayanagar in 2018.

One of the sister concerns, IMA Advisory Private Limited, however, describes itself as a 13-year-old company. Investors are spread across the various subsidiaries and returns were being paid for a while before they stopped a few months back.

Khan claims that the IMA group has properties worth Rs 1,050 core in the city. The group claims to have a clientele of seven thousand.

Some of its board of directors are Nasir Hussain, Naveed Ahmed Nattamkar, Nizammuddin Azeemuddin, Afshan Tabassum, Afsar Pasha and Arshad Khan.

Group companies of IMA :

Group companies include IM Digital, IM Trends, IM Entertainment, IM Zayee, IMAIP Bullion and Trading, MMK Institute of Education, IMAW Jewellery, IMA Women Empowerment Business Module. Most of these were set up as limited liability partnerships.

Highlights of IMA Ponzi scam :

In an audio clip, IMA Jewels owner allegedly said he is “tired of bribing corrupt politicians and bureaucrats”

As soon the audio went viral, investors gathered at the IMA Jewels headquarters, demanding action against him

Police suspect that at least 26,000 investors from across Karnataka have been cheated

The principles of IMA according to their website :

  • Belief in Allah Subbanahu Wa Ta’ala
  • No interest
  • No haram investments
  • Financing based on real assets
  • Risk sharing

Why public get interested in Pvt. Organisations?

Some are of the opinion that due to lack of deposit schemes by banks, public are opting for investment in private  co’s. 

The interest amount paid by private financiers are on a higher side and this lures the people to invest their hard earned money in ponzi schemes.

Normally banks offer an annual interest of around 7% whereas ponzi schemes offer 2.5% monthly interest which comes to around 30% p.a.

The returns on the investment encourages public to invest in these private co’s.

The closure of popular Janada Deposit schemes by banks may have led to rise of Ponzi Schemes and fraud firms.  The Janata Deposit Scheme suited the needs of many people. The public included businesspersons, professions, daily wage labourers, traders and home makers.

How ponzi scheme works :

Information about these schemes spreads by words of mouth.  The fraudulent operators usually avoid being in touch with the investors.  The Co. will not have any accountability or do they give any record of having received money. 

All the transactions are done without using banks so there will not be any money trail. Some of the private operators offer higher rate of interest to lure more investors quickly.

For example IMA largely offered three kinds of investments. The first one was a business investment, which guaranteed around 3 per cent return per month.

The second one was an education investment scheme, which offered similar rate of annualized return during March-April to the investee.

The third one was a marriage investment that would fetch around Rs 5-6 lakhs in five years over Rs 50,000 investment

Another case which came to light is the Karvy group. 

Karvy group scam :

The Bengaluru police has booked the top officials of another fraudulent firm, Karvy group for cheating its investors by promising huge returns.

Operating under many firms, Karvy Group of Co’s had allegedly cheated its investors by promising them a secure investment and 20% returns.

Like IMA, most of the complainants in Karvy have also invested a major part of their life savings in the firm hoping for a better future. Some had invested for their children’s marriage while others hoping for a steady even income after their retirement. But it came as shock to the investors when the money flow halted suddenly.

Among those booked include directors of Karvy Stock Brokers, Karvy Realty India Pvt. Ltd. and Karvy Capitals, who allegedly cheated investors by promising 18-20% returns.

Cheated Amount  and reasons :

Till now, nine investors, have been cheated of Rs.3.81 crore, have filed a complain at Basavanagudi police station. 

Some of the complainants are retired professionals from different fields and had invested  all their savings.  When the returns stopped coming, it was a shock to the investors. 

The reasons given by the company for non payment is demonetization and GST.  Some of the cheques given by the company were bounced. 

Wake up call:

The above mentioned incidents are a wake up call to the public to consider before investing their hard earned money.  Even though the returns are less, opting for government backed institutions are always safer.

Even if the returns are 10% or more, investing in private co’s are always risky. 

It is always better to take advice and to enquire about the financial status of private co’s before investing. 

Who will triump #IndvsPak

Cricket’s biggest rivalry will take place at Manchester on 16th June. India will lock horns against the Arch-Rivals Pakistan. India would want to retain their winning streak but on the other hand Pakistan would want to end their losing streak against India in the world cup.

Although the skies weren’t completely clear, the weather forecast for Sunday’s game is promising. It is expected to be a little cloudy, but the chances of rain are minimal. It will be a welcome relief for both teams, who have already had washouts in their campaigns. Pakistan saw their game against Sri Lanka in Bristol ruined by rain while India’s match against New Zealand in Nottingham on Thursday suffered the same fate.

After Shikar Dhawan suffered a thumb injury, young Rishabh Pant has arrived at Manchester. Pant will not be a part of the squad and cannot play in any of the matches unless India officially rule Dhawan out of the World Cup. India, though, are not in any hurry to take that step. Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar on Wednesday explained that India do not want to rule out a ‘precious player’ like Dhawan so early, and are instead willing to give him time to recover.

In this world cup India has won 2 of the 3 matches while Pakistan has won only 1 of their 4 matches.

Pitch report at Manchester

The ball is certainly expected to turn and both teams should field their spinners for this clash. Also, the playing surface is usually pretty dry and crusty making the ball ample for reverse swing during the later stages of the innings.

The new ball doesn’t swing too much making this a good batting surface but the overcast conditions expected might turn the fixture to the favour of the bowler.

Head to head records

Overall Pakistan lead 73-54 in 127 completed ODIs against India.

In World Cup: India, meanwhile have never lost to Pakistan in the World Cup and have a huge 6-0 lead over their rivals.

There are always some key players when it comes to big matches. For India the key players are Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Yuzavendra Chahal. For Pakistan they are Babar azam, Facker Zaman and Imam-ul-haq.

India would want both their batsmen and bowlers to fire like the game against Australia. Pakistan’s bowling has done okay but their batsmen need to go all guns blazing against India.

So let us expect one of the most challenging encounters in the history of the World Cup.

By Young Sportsman and Author – Thanmay Manohar

MEESHO – Startup – Investment by FACEBOOK

MEESHO – Startup – Investment by FACEBOOK

Meesho – an online marketplace for resellers in Bengaluru and California has got investment from Social networking giant FACEBOOK Inc, five years after first acquiring an Indian startup.

Facebook had bought Bengaluru-based Little Eye Labs in 2014. Its US peers Google and Twitter Inc. have also either invested in an Indian company or bought one.

Twitter had, in 2015, acquired mobile-based customer engagement platform ZipDial while Google made its first direct investment in an Indian company in December 2017 when it backed daily tasks management app Dunzo.

Meesho – Bengaluru based startup :

Meesho, a Bengaluru-based social commerce platform that helps resellers and emerging brands build businesses using social media, has bagged funding of undisclosed amount from social network giant Facebook.

The Online reseller Meesho has an app available in more than seven local languages other than English, with 40 percent of its daily usage from non-English speaking users.

Meesho’s tools include an online platform that allows sellers to manage purchases and process payments, as well as a network of wholesale suppliers (its main categories are currently fashion and lifestyle items) and logistics providers.

In other words, it offers almost everything its vendors need to start selling online. This leaves vendors responsible for customer acquisition, picking what items they want to include in their online shops and marketing them.

History of Meesho :

Meesho – short for “meri shop” – was preceded by FashNear, a hyperlocal fashion discovery and commerce app founded in mid 2015. By end 2015, the founders pivoted to Meesho – Shopify for mobile for India – an app that enabled small stores to create online shops and sell through Facebok, WhatsApp, Instagram and other social channels by streamlining product discovery and payments.

It later moved in to organize and aggregate the Indian long tail supply chain and extended logistical support to its reseller customer base.

Meesho Fact sheet :

Year of Launch : 2015

Head Quarters : Bengaluru

Category : E-Commerce

Founders : Vidit Aatrey, Sanjeev Barnwal

Total Funding till date : $ 65.2 mn

Key Investors : Facebook, Sequoia India, Shunwei Capital, DST Partners

In November last year, Meesho raised $50 million in a Series C round of funding from China’s Shunwei Capital, Russian-Israeli billionaire Yuri Milner’s DST Partners and RPS Ventures, a fund set up by former SoftBank managing director Kabir Misra. Existing investors  are Sequoia Capital India, SAIF Partners, Venture Highway and Y Combinator.

Investment from Facebook in Meesho :

This is Facebook’s first investment in an India-based startup and is a strong demonstration of the company’s commitment to the country’s vibrant internet ecosystem. 

Facebook’s investment will help Meesho enable independent entrepreneurs to build businesses and grow their customer base via social channels.

The deal size, according to an Economic Timesreport may be about $20-25 million.

Meesho, run by Fashnear Techologies Pvt. Ltd, is based out of Bengaluru. It also has an entity incorporated in California, US, called Meesho Inc.

Founders of Meesho :

Founders of Meesho

Founded by IIT Delhi alumni Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal in 2015, Meesho has created an alternate distribution channel by empowering housewives, young mothers, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and teachers, to launch, build and promote their online businesses using WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media channels.

Vidit Aatrey, cofounder and CEO, Meesho wrote that the investment will help it further its efforts to enable independent entrepreneurs to build businesses and grow their customer base via social channels.

How Meesho Fits With Facebook’s Plans?

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Facebook India MD Ajit Mohan said that Meesho stood out from its peers in certain aspects.

Firstly, the two founders had the right framework in terms of business building. “They were bringing a lot of passion and problem-solving and testing and learning approaches that we as a company like,” he said.

Why Is Social E-commerce Creating waves?

With more than 500 Mn Indians relying on the Internet for their day-to-day life, shopping online has become an inherent choice. Interestingly, according to Statista over 2.14 Bn people worldwide are expected to buy goods and services online by 2021.

The social ecommerce startups leverage the user bases of social media platforms such as WhatsApp or traditional media platforms to build ecommerce solutions for its customers which are more friendly and personalized. Even though they were expected to have lower acquisition costs, the results have been lukewarm.

Awards and Recognition :

In August 2016, VC-focused data platform Mattermark ranked Meesho 8 among 25 fastest-growing Y Combinator incubated startups.

In July 2017, Deccan Chronicle named Meesho among Top 5 apps for Social Commerce.

In Feb 2018, Forbes India featured Meesho founders Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal in its 30 Under 30 list of young achievers.  The startup was also one of the growing Indian businesses to be profiled b Forbes Asia in the same year.

In April 2018, Meesho was selected as a part of the first batch of Google Launchpad’s ‘Solve For India’ program for startups building technology solutions for unique Indian challenges.

Conclusion :

According to information on its website, Meesho has over 15,000 suppliers and more than two million resellers throughout the country on its platform.

Meesho facilitates a three-way marketplace enabling resellers, SMBs, and micro-entrepreneurs across India to connect with potential buyers using social media. The company claims to have more than 15K suppliers and 2 Mn resellers across India.

With a culmination of efforts coming from Facebook towards Meesho’s growth, the social ecommerce industry is bound to get more exciting soon.

Its app which is available in more than seven local languages other than English, and about 40 percent of its daily usage comes from a non-English speaking audience. 

Mahadevapura Lake gets an eco-friendly STP under CSR

Mahadevapura Lake gets an eco-friendly STP under CSR

Mahadevapura Lake gets an eco-friendly Sewage Treatment Plant as part of a multi-stakeholder initiative with BBMP.

In a unique initiative, leading corporates in Bengaluru have come together to partner with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), BBMP and Citizen’s Group to construct an eco-friendly Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) of 1 million litres a day (1MLD) capacity at the Mahadevapura Lake in the city.

Mahadevapura Lake :

Mahadevapura Lake is on 22 acres and is located in the east of Bengaluru between Purva Parkridge and Durga Rainbow Apartments. It is frequented by many local residents who enjoy the provided walking path.

There are two wetlands, one in the southeast and the other in the northeast of the lake. In total, there are 4 inlet points and 1 outlet from the lake. Of the 4 inlets which carry sewage, 3 overflow into the lake during any flood event and one enters directly into the wetland area that is to the southeast side of the lake.

United Way Bengaluru – Mahadevapura Lake initiative :

Every city has a plethora of serious, unique, and multifaceted issues — from environment and health to income and education. To truly overcome these challenges and make a worthwhile difference, one must bring together everyone involved — everyone with a common interest and purpose, to work on a solution for a better Bengaluru. United Way Bengaluru do just that.

Established in 2008, United Way Bengaluru is a not-for-profit organization that works with communities to take local action for global impact. They partner with the people, listen to their concerns, identify the problems, and empower them to tackle these challenges head on. But they don’t stop there — they ensure their efforts reap long-term returns by staying connected with the communities.

And that’s how United Way Bengaluru bring visible, lasting change.

Wake the Lake campaign :

Lakes have always been the lifeline of Bengaluru. Unfortunately, years of economic growth and population expansion have had their consequences — in as little as 40 years; the 380 lakes in Bengaluru have been reduced to just 81.

Wake the Lake is United Way Bengaluru’s flagship campaign that aims to make a difference by reviving the dying lakes of Bengaluru. This initiative is a strong demonstration of the collaboration between civic bodies, corporates and citizens for the larger good. That’s not all; the Government of Karnataka has been the NGO’s biggest patron in supporting this initiative.

Over the last decade, Wake the Lake has successfully reclaimed and restored over 20 lakes, which were on the verge of complete collapse. This process of restoration involved clearing them of sewage, improving the quality of water, greening the lake environs and turning them into active community spaces.

Sewage Treatment :

Sewage treatment is the process of removing contaminants from municipal waste water,  containing mainly household sewage-plus some industrial waste water, Physical, chemical, and biological processes are used to remove contaminants and produce treated waste water (or treated effluent)) that is safe enough for release into the environment.

A by-product of sewage treatment is a semi-solid waste or slurry, called sewage sludge. The sludge has to undergo further treatment before being suitable for disposal or application to land.

STP at Mahadevapura Lake :

The STP is an eco-friendly natural solution. It is a chemical free process with minimum dependence on electricity for treating the wastewater. It is an anaerobic process called DEWATS, which aims to mimic natural processes by providing the right conditions for microbial action.

The Bangalore-based Consortium for DEWATS Dissemination Society (CDD Society) have provided the technical expertise for design and implementation of the STP. The construction was led by Revlon Build tech. 

Supporters of STP at Mahadevapura Lake :

The project is supported by Amazon, Mphasis, Dell Technologies, HTC Global and BORDA, the multi-stakeholder effort is aimed at rejuvenating the Mahadevapura Lake, which adjoins their offices at Bagmane World Technology Centre. The STP will tap and treat 1MLD wastewater flowing in an adjoining drain and discharge it into the lake every day.

About Amazon Cares  :

Amazon believes that the most radical & transformative inventions are often those that empower others to unleash their creativity and pursue their dreams. Amazon Cares demonstrates the philosophy of being ‘good neighbors’ through the activities undertaken in areas where employees and customers live.

The Company imbibes this philosophy to empower and engage its employees, customers, sellers, local communities and other stakeholders in its contributions to create opportunities and transform lives.

 Amazon Cares currently runs several programs such as Gift a Smile that is transforming & enabling new ways of giving and Amazon in the Community that is empowering local communities with tools & services that enable them to create opportunities for their growth. 

Speaking on the STP initiative at Mahadevapura lake, Kishore Thota, Director Customer Experience and Marketing, Amazon India says, “We are happy to associate with UWBe and BBMP to align efforts around intergovernmental initiatives to contribute to and preserve the city’s ecological systems to positively impact the local communities. The rejuvenation of the Mahadevapura Lake will be able to restore the rich biodiversity and inspire citizens to create hubs for a vibrant socio-cultural life.”

About Mphasis

Mphasis applies next-generation technology to help enterprises transform businesses globally. Customer centricity is foundational to Mphasis and is reflected in the Mphasis ‘Front2Back’ Transformation approach. Front2Back™ uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to provide hyper-personalized digital experience to clients and their end customers.

Mphasis’ Service Transformation approach helps ‘shrink the core’ through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis’ core reference architectures and tools, speed and innovation with domain expertise and specialization are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients.

According to Meenu Bhambhani, Vice President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis, “We have a responsibility to give back to the society we reside in and this project with UWBe and BBMP is one such effort. We hope this initiative will bring back the lake its lost glory. This is a classic example of collaboration to safeguard the nature for our future generations.’’ 

About Dell Technologies:

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that provides the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. The company services customers of all sizes across 180 countries – ranging from 98 percent of the Fortune 500 to individual consumers – with the industry’s most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from the edge to the core to the cloud.

Sarv Saravanan, Corporate Senior Vice President & General Manager, India Center of Excellence, Dell Technologies said, “We at Dell Technologies have always been committed to the good of the people and the planet. The STP initiative at Mahadevapura Lake is an extension of this commitment. We are glad to partner with UWBe, BBMP and other corporates.”

92.7 BIG FM’s RJ Shruti – ‘RJ OF THE YEAR’ at IRF 2019

92.7 BIG FM’s RJ Shruti – ‘RJ OF THE YEAR’ at IRF 2019

92.7 BIG FM’s Shruti bags the ‘RJ of the Year’ and ‘Best Radio Show’ award for her show ‘BIG Coffee’ under the Kannada category at IRF 2019 awards.   

Big FM 92.7 went on to win 14 awards.  The radio station claimed the maximum titles in the ‘RJ of the Year’ category at Excellence in Radio Awards, a prestigious award platform that acknowledges and celebrates outstanding content and creativity in the radio industry.

Among the fourteen titles, BIG FM’s RJ Shruti won the ‘RJ of the Year’ award under Kannada category and her popular ‘BIG Coffee’ show on 92.7 BIG FM Bengaluru received the winning title under the ‘Best Radio Show-Kannada’. RJ Shruti currently hosts the revamped show of BIG Coffee- ‘Pataki Mornings’ from 7 AM to 11 AM every day.

BIG FM 92.7 :

92.7 BIG FM is India’s largest FM station with a presence across 45 cities, 1200 towns and 50,000+ villages and a weekly reach of 4.2 crore Indians across the country. Since the launch of its first station in September 2006, 92.7 BIG FM has expanded at a phenomenal pace, launching 45 stations in a record- breaking time period of 18 months (barring Shimla which launched in 2009). The brand is now looking towards expanding in to more markets and geographies.

92.7 BIG FM has been adjudged the Best Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the Golden Mikes Awards in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Also 92.7 BIG FM was the Most Awarded Indian radio station at the New York Radio Festival 2013 winning 7 awards, amongst over 30 participating countries.

Awards in different categories :

BIG FM also won golds for different categories, including Best Radio Show (Non-Breakfast-Hindi), Best Radio Show (Kannada), Best Radio Show (Marathi), Best Radio Show (Hindi- Non-metro station), Best Radio Sparkler (Hindi).

BIG FM since its inception has won awards for its various national and city-specific shows based on original content integrated with captivating music.The essence of the shows has been further enhanced by talented and popular RJs who form a strong connect with the listeners across markets.

BIG COFFEE at FM 92.7 :

92.7 BIG FM Bengaluru station has launched a breakfast show sometime back, “BIG COFFEE” that promised to give Bangaloreans a new reason to celebrate their favorite city every single day.

Listeners were treated with absolute entertainment everyday as they celebrate their most favorite passions ranging food, theatre, hang out places, music, local shopping, places of devotion and more with their favorite jocks.

Additionally, the show also focused on lifestyle of the people in the busy city and day to day healthy living, apart from featured current affairs. The show was hosted by  RJ Pat Pat Pataki Shruti.

Every segment on the  show is either infotainment or entertainment. The whole show fills with trivia about Bengaluru,  a person’s connection to city, people’s problems, experience with others, inspirational stuff and also exciting segments on daily basis from Monday to Saturday.  Behind every episode one  will see a mind at work, not just a tongue wagging.

RJ Shruti :

Radio happened to Shruti by chance. She started her  roller coaster ride in radio about six years ago but 92.7 Big FM gave her a break with name and fame. “Pat Pat Pataki Shruthi” as people fondly call her was coined by her  team in Big FM.

From free auto rides to free everything would be offered to her just because of who she is.  

Sharing her experience of winning the award, RJ Shruti said, “This is a hat-trick. Every time I receive an award it’s like the first time for me and a dream come true. I call the IRF as the Oscar of Radio and it’s as good as winning an Oscar. This year too, I saw myself going on stage and receiving the award. I could feel all this even before the results were announced. I have won two awards: ‘RJ of the Year’ and Best radio show for ‘BIG Coffee’ in Kannada category. My prayers have been answered once again. This only means I have to put more effort into the awards next year and the homework for this has already begun. I would like to thank everyone who believed in me. It really means a lot!”

Overview of Awards :

The Excellence in Radio Awards was created with the aim of supporting and recognizing quality in radio broadcasting in India.  The Awards celebrates the very best of Indian radio, honouring outstanding programming, on-air personalities, marketing & promotions and creativity within the industry.​

These categories are rewarded with the specially created Excellence in Radio Awards (ERA) trophy, an exclusive commissioned statute befitting the prestige and importance of the awards.

The ERA is the benchmark of quality by which radio professionals, consumers and advertisers recognize, reward and celebrate outstanding content and creativity.

India Radio Forum  :

India Radio Forum’s (IRF) Excellence in Radio Awards (ERA) celebrates and honours the best of Indian radio industry by recognizing outstanding programming, marketing, radio personalities, promotions, and creativity within the field.

The India Radio Forum focuses on increasing the effectiveness of promotion and marketing within the radio and media industry. The annual award show aims at bringing together the best of marketing and creative excellence in India every year.

2019 – India Radio Forum :

Known for recognizing the efforts of the radio industry, the India Radio Forum 2019 hosted its 14th edition of Excellence in Radio Awards (ERA) in the midst of grandeur and splendid works presented by the Radio industry.

As the industry continues to grow, the conference was well attended and hosted by eminent speakers – Abraham Thomas, CEO, BIG FM, LV Krishnan, CEO, TAM Media Research, Nisha Narayanan, COO, 93.5 RED FM & Magic FM, Anita Bose, Chief Operating Officer, Madison Media, Rajiv Dubey, General Manager, Dabur India among others coming together for the biggest celebration of the radio broadcast industry. 

Seed Ball technique – 1 lakh in 3 hrs. by Bangaloreans

Seed Ball technique – 1 lakh in 3 hrs. by Bangaloreans

Seed  ball technique   –  1 lakh seed balls were prepared by 600 Bangaloreans to Green Western Ghats.  Most environmentalists have termed this innovation as seeds of success due to its rapid growth rate.

Seed Ball is a unique and interesting method  in today’s age where the greenery is becoming a silent victim of modernization.  Seed balls work as a great idea for a sustainable environment in our concrete jungles.

Seed balls are an ancient technique for propagating plants from seeds without opening up soil with cultivation tools such as a plow.

Victim of urbanization :

Trees are often the first victim’s of Bengaluru’s march towards increased urbanization.  To encourage to grow trees and to reduce their rate of depletion, Seed Balls creations helps growing trees in the city.  

SayTrees – Organizer of Seed ball :

SayTrees is a professionally run group of ordinary people extraordinarily determined to protect the environment not just by themselves, but also by sensitizing others towards the importance of environment conservation and goading them on to participate in tree-plantation campaigns.  

The group consists of passionate nature lovers, who juggle corporate jobs during the week with their love for trees over the weekends. Though it started off as a weekend pursuit in 2007 now it does more than 50 tree plantation drives in 4 months of monsoon. 

Last year, SayTrees had made thousands of seed balls and were sown in Chintamani and Bagepalli.

Volunteers at Seed Ball project:

600 Bengalureans came together in Krishnarajapuram on weekend and made more than 100,000 seed balls. Within three hours they prepared around one lakh seed balls, which will go on to increase the green cover in Western Ghats.

Making of Seed ball by all age group

All age groups came together for the seed ball making. 

Objective of the project:

The members of the organisation SayTrees will take the seed balls to the forests of Kodagu in Karnataka and plant them next week with the help of the forest department. The group wants to re-green the area as thousands of trees were lost during the floods last year.

The aim of the campaign is to build urban forestry and provide greenery in barren lands by using the seed ball technique. 

How to make a seed ball?

herder3 for commons.wikimedia.org

Take some clay, pure some water it, roll it into a little ball, make a little hole in it, pop the seed into it and roll it up again.  Leave it to dry for 24 hours.  The seed ball is ready.

Contents of Seed Ball :

For the seed balls, a mixture of soil and manure is used and each seed ball contains one or more seeds inside. The group which cut across all age groups, made many varieties of seed balls.

The seed balls project had made eight varieties of seed balls including banyan, peepal and tamarind.

Why seed ball?

Among different initiatives to improve green cover, making and distributing seed balls in a quick and cost effective method to reclaim the lost green cover of environment.  It is an emerging afforestation technique.

With knowledge, skill, and patience, seed balls can be as effective a way of establishing plants as plow-seeding or drilling, and they can be made by anyone anywhere in the world that has access to clay, soil, and seed — for no money.

How it works?

The composition of seed balls makes it self-sustainable and favorable for germination in most environments.  Making seed balls are fund and easy.

The concept seed balls was started by Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese man famous for popularizing Natural farming, the concept has been adopted worldwide.

Seed balls can also be used to “over seed” existing ecosystems, without damaging the soil structure — or to seed productive plants into forested areas and steep hillsides where tillage is not possible. Seed balls can also be used in combination with animals such as pigs who will do the work of shuffling the mulch around providing seed balls extra cover.

Development of technique :

The technique for creating seed balls was rediscovered by Japanese natural farming pioneer Masanobu Fukuoka. The technique was also used, in ancient Egypt to repair farms after the annual spring flooding of the Nile.

In modern times, during the period of the Second World War, the Japanese government plant scientist working in a government lab, Fukuoka, who lived on the mountainous island of Shikoku, wanted to find a technique that would increase food production without taking away from the land already allocated for traditional rice production,  which thrived in the volcanic rich soils of Japan.

Advantages of using seed ball :

There are some advantages of using seed ball instead of using seeds directly:

  • Because there are nutrients in the seed  ball  in the form of compost or potting mix or cow dung,  it gives a leg up to germinating seeds – gives them nutrition in the early days when the young plant needs a little help to survive in harsh conditions.
  • The balls prevents animals or birds from eating up the seeds.
  • It takes less time to cover a large area – since one can simply throw the seed ball – so one could, for example, drive around in a car with thousands of seed bombs and a slingshot, and disperse the seed bombs all around while cruising in vehicle. In fact, there have been scenarios where seed bombs have been used for aerial reforestation by dispersing hundreds of thousands of seed bombs using a low flying aero-plane !

Seed Balls protect seeds from :

Winds – which blow them away

Birds and Rodents – which eat them

Hot Sun –  which bakes their vitality and

Excessive rain – Which carries them off.

Results of using Seed Ball :

With the rainfall, the clay coating melts and the seeds germinate where the ball has landed.  The seed balls will stay put until the seedlings have a chance to put down roots.  The seed balls will absorb moisture from the ground, the dew and the rain and will sprout when conditions are right. 

Many seeds will grow from a single seed ball and the plant most suited to the micro conditions of that site will prevail. perties

ACB raid across Karnataka State

ACB raid across Karnataka State

ACB is raiding and searching across the State of Karnataka and are on currently against officials with alleged disproportionate assets.

The officials who are being under the scanner includes :

1. Kallappa M Hosamai

Chemistry professor

Karnataka University Dharwad

Earlier registrar at KUD

2. Uday D Chabbi

AEE PWD Joida subdivision

Uttara Kannada

3. Mahadevappa

AE, Mines and geology department Mangaluru 

The raid includes at houses in Belagavi , Dandeli and 2 offices, Houses at siddehalli, Bengaluru, Kadripade,  Dakshina Kannada, Kanivehalli Chitradurga and their respective offices.

Footpaths to be free of encroachments in Bengaluru

Footpaths to be free of encroachments in Bengaluru

Footpaths to be free of encroachments in Benglauru.  Making footpaths free is an obligation by BBMP.   Illegal footpath encroachment has been narrowing the road, causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.

Everyday we come across a lot of vehicles parked on footpaths and pavements.  Cars and two wheelers are parked on both sides of narrow residential lanes and there is two way movement of traffic and navigating through them. 

It has become a challenge for pedestrians especially those who are handicapped, having physical disability and senior citizens.

High court order on footpath encroachment :

The High Court of Karnataka on 10th June directed the civic body BBMP to file an affidavit within 3 weeks on the steps taken by the authorities to keep footpaths free of encroachment by shop owners.

This affidavit was in the wake of observing the citizens’ rights being affected if footpaths are not maintained in reasonably good condition.  The footpaths must be kept free of encroachments.

Purpose of footpath :

Public streets are made for traffic to move and likewise footpaths are made for the use of citizens for walking.

If the footpaths are encroaches, it will affect the right of citizens.  Footpaths have to be maintained so that citizens are able to walk freely.

Action by Police –  footpath encroachment :

The city traffic police are currently carrying out a week-long drive to clear encroachments of footpaths and make them more pedestrian friendly.

The police aims to ensure that footpaths across the city are free from street vendors, petty shops, illegal parking of vehicles and dumping of construction materials.

Those dumping construction materials like pipes or wires on the footpaths will also have to be careful. The materials will be seized and the offenders will have to pay a penalty to get it cleared.

BBMP unhelpful :

In some areas the traffic police are oblivious of the state of affairs. Despite a clear ruling by the High Court of Karnataka to clear footpath encroachments, the BBMP is not acting tough on the encroachers.

The traffic police have expressed their helplessness as it is the BBMP’s responsibility to clear the encroachment and not that of the police.

The section 288 and 288C of the KMC Act clearly allow the removal of encroachments, either temporary or permanent, on the existing footpaths falling within BBMP’s jurisdictional limits. However, several complaints to jurisdictional Assistant Executive Engineers by citizens have not yielded any results. They pass the buck at each other dodging responsibility.

Conclusion :

There are chances of serious accidents if the issues are not fixed on  road’s footpaths. The BBMP officials and people’s representatives including the Mayor should inspect the busy roads and the footpaths and implement a ‘zero tolerance’ on footpath encroachment. 

500 raised cross walks across Bengaluru :

To ensure safety of pedestrians crossing roads, the civic body BBMP has decided to build more than 500 raised cross walks across Bengaluru city with 15 cm. in height besides bumps.

Infra Boost :

The Traffic Police of Bengaluru city made a presentation demanding raised pedestrian crossings. They will come up on thoroughfare across the city.

The demands of Traffic Police includes :
  1. Pedestrian crossings at 221 locations
  2. Sky-walks/FOB’s at 86 locations
  3. Up-gradation of pedestrian crossings are 213 spots
  4. Relocation of electrical poles at 97 locations and 76 transformers
  5. Amenities at 47 accident black-spots
  6. Solution to water logging at 45 places
  7. Street light functioning at 105 locations

Areas Covered :

The initiative of 500 raised cross walks across Bengaluru City includes facilities along outer ring road, Sarjapur road, Magadi Road and some of the core areas in the city.

The 367 junctions includes facilities like traffic umbrellas, railings information and direction boards, painted cross walks, cameras at important junctions, traffic signage, hazard boards, street lights, removing of trees and widening of roads.