Summer Workshop: Journalism for Young Citizens
Following the success of our Journalism Workshop for Citizens, we are happy to announce a special 2-day students’ workshop on May 3rd and 4th, in partnership with Atta Galatta, the Koramangala bookstore.
The workshop is ideal for young people (14-17 years), and will introduce them to the basics of news gathering, writing, photography. Encourage your teen or a young friend to sign up and gain insights into how the city works and how to use journalism to engage and solve problems.
Limited seats available, so register quick!
This week’s highlight
Time to pay property tax for 2016-2017
It’s that time of the year where you need to pay your property tax once again. While the hike in tax rate and change of zonal classification is likely to double the amount you need to pay, you can avail 5% rebate if you pay it now. Here is how you can go about it »
Air pollution – the silent killer!
Anecdotes and basic studies show air pollution causes lung diseases in Bengaluru. But, nobody is collecting the data that can support strong measures to curb pollution. No studies, no data: air pollution continues to haunt Bengaluru »
A morning in the life of a garment worker
A garment worker finishes her house chores in a hurry to reach the garment factory before 9 am. Pic: Akshatha M
Bengaluru saw a sudden eruption of protests by garment workers on Monday and Tuesday opposing the Central government’s new Provident Fund policy. One woman garment worker’s story gives us a glimpse into their lives. Read: For garment workers, the present is real, the future unknown »
Citizen action
Citizens ask govt to save Kaikondrahalli, Kasavanahalli lake wetlands
Residents on Sarjapur Road are worried about the sensitive valley zone between Kaikondrahalli and Kasavanahalli lakes getting destroyed with unabated development. They have been lobbying with the government for over two years, to save the lakes, and have now started an online petition. A citizen report »
Tiffy Template helps the blind identify currency notes
Paul demonstrates how the Tiffy Template can be used. Pic: Screengrab from campaign video.
The visually impaired find it difficult to identify Indian currency notes, and often get cheated in their transactions. Here’s a Whitefield resident whose invention can make a difference to them! The Tiffy Template »
A green wedding – it’s possible!
The father of a groom shares a personal account of how one can celebrate something as grand as a wedding, without creating too much of a burden on the environment. A green wedding – it’s possible »
Switching to sustainable menstruation
Do you know that a disposable sanitary napkin takes about 800 years to decompose in a landfill? Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to pads »
INTACH Heritage Awards
The central court of the renovated RBANMS building. Pic: INTACH
INTACH announces the winners of the 2nd edition of the Heritage Awards, set up to bring attention and recognition to buildings of heritage value in Bengaluru. Read: Old RBANMS building, Priya Mascarenhas’ 19th century bungalow among winners »
Tree Walk at Indiranagar
If you love nature, like walking among trees and flowers, and want to know more about our green heritage, and live in and around the Indiranagar area, this is for you. Read: A walk among the tree of Indiranagar »
The week that was
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Early this week, Bengaluru was witness to protests and violence, with thousands of garment factory workers on the streets protesting against the Central government’s new policy on Provident Fund withdrawal. The Central government has since withdrawn the new policy.
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About 150 KSRTC and BMTC buses were damaged by the mob which ransacked buses during the garment factory workers protest. According to news reports, 11 buses were set ablaze, while other buses were damaged, incurring a loss of Rs 20 crore to the transport corporation.
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While disposing of a PIL related to removing the hawkers in Rajaji Nagar, the High Court has said that footpaths should be clear and clean for pedestrians, and hawkers must not be allowed to put up any permanent or temporary structures on footpaths.
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The BBMP has identified four quarries to be used as landfills, following the closure of the Terra Firma waste processing unit. The four new landfills are located at Bettahalli near Yelahanka, Mittagalahalli near Kogilu, and Bagaluru and Kada Agrahara near Sarjapur.
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According to a recent survey by BBMP, nearly 37,000 families living in slums in Bengaluru do not have individual toilets at their residences.
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The RTO cracked down on the taxi aggregators which have continued to surge price. Over 30 vehicles were seized as they failed to abide by the Karnataka government’s new policy for tech-enabled taxi-aggregators which was introduced a fortnight ago.
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The Union Minister for Environment and Forest, Prakash Javedkar has announced that the Central government will sanction Rs 800 crore to rejuvenate Bengaluru’s lakes, especially Bellandur lake. The funds will be released under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transportation (AMRUT) scheme.
Events this week
Beltuner – 22nd April – Blue Frog
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Introduce your children to the best of Adventure Stories by British authors at Tell Me A Story.on April 22nd.
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Beltuner, a French Gypsy-Jazz band is performing at Blue Frog on April 22nd.
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Raaga-Ranga – classical singer, Aparna Gurav is performing at Bangalore International Centre on April 22nd.
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On the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary on April 23rd, British Council is hosting Shakespeare Lives, a series of events, celebrating his work.
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Discover the origins and life of Tipu Sultan on In Search of the Tiger, a day trip to Nandi Hills on April 24th.
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Make your way to Alliance Francaise for Blurring Boundaries, an exhibition where fashion designer Priyanka Ella Lorena is showcasing miniature versions of her creations as 3D installations. The exhibition which opened yesterday, is on display till May 10th.
To know more about events in Bengaluru, click here.