CITIZEN MATTERS Bangalore’s own interactive newsmagazine Speak up, it’s your city!
City news that matters
>> Pro-Kannada activists have called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh today, to protest against the recent spate of sexual crimes against women and children.
>> Strongholds of pro-Kannada activism like Malleshwaram and Gandhibazar are witnessing heavy protests.
>> BMTC bus services did not suffer in the morning though passengers were few. Essential services did not suffer.
>> Home Minister has ordered that strict action be taken against those who damage public/private property and disturb the harmony.
>> Two more gym instructors were arrested in connection with the Vibgyor incident. Police have filed a suo motu case on the first arrested, Mustafa, thereby denying him a clean chit. There is no action taken so far against other staff present in the school at the time of the incident. Read: Mystery of Vibgyor arrests.
>> AG Appurao, former Deputy Conservator of Forests, has been accused of legalising encroachments totalling 4,49,757 sq ft, and worth Rs 200 crore, in the Turahalli forest.
This week’s highlight: Have you been to this place?
A distant view of Biligudda (white hill) across a river. Behind white hill, is Karigudda (black hill). Pic: Christopher Martin Lopaze
With a holiday lined up for some of you tomorrow, are wondering what to do for the weekend? Why not go on a biking outing? Our intern Christopher M Lopaze, who went one to explore the wonders that lie on the outskirts of Bangalore, narrates his experience.
>> The police and governments have issued a set of guidelines for schools to follow to improve safety, but there is relaxation for government schools from the rules. Read: Why this double standard?
>> “I am not going to the exam hall again” – certainly not something that one would expect a school-going child to exclaim… Read: When a disabled child is denied his rights.
>> Troll troubles – A Kannada columnist’s malicious Facebook post against a social activist lands him in soup – he has been slapped with a case under Section 66A of the IT Act. Read: Section 66A used against trolling.
Living in Bangalore
>> While an Occupancy Certificate (OC) is not mandatory for registration of a building, it is required for possession. Proceeding without the OC, could make your property, a B-khata property. Read: Overcoming the OC hurdle.
>> Find yourself stuck in traffic near the KR Puram junction every other day? Our citizen writer, Awase Khirni Syed, has some suggestions to ease the situation. Read: How the KR Puram junction can be de-congested.
>> While the Domlur-Murugeshpalya signal-free corridor will certainly benefit commuters, pedestrian safety could take a hit. Pranay Kotasthane wonders if it could mean freedom for some, and confinement for the rest.
>> Lest this season’s rains make us forget about last season’s dry spell. Read: 21 easy ways to save water in Bengaluru. Every drop you save today, will help you tomorrow.
>> A Bangalore resident’s photo of a spider web is one among the 50 pictures shortlisted for NHM and BBC’s prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. Have a look at Pure Magic.
>> Over 950 citizens gathered at the Doddabommasandra Lake on July 27th for a major tree planting drive. The 124 acre lake is now richer by 1,500 saplings. Read: Tree planting drive evokes memories.
Events this weekend
>> Explore pairs of ragas in Carnatic and Hindustani traditions, as Vidwan Ragavan Manian recites, A Tale of Two Ragas, at the Bangalore International Centre on August 1st.
>> Get your portrait painted by eminent artists from Karnataka at the Rangoli Metro Gallery between 11 am and 5 pm, this weekend.
>> Come August 3rd, be a part of TEDx Bangalore. This is a chance to collaborate with leading thinkers, visionaries and doers, and together find inspiration for the city.
>> Watch Jappeloup, the story of a man and his horse and their journey to the Seoul Olympics, at Alliance Francaise on August 6th.
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Ramakrishnan K Audio Engineer in training
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