BENGALURU:  Bengaluru needs a whopping Rs 2,800 crore to fix its stormwater drain network to prevent future flooding and devastation, according to a report by Knight Frank India, a real estate consultancy firm.  The report -- Bengaluru Urban Floods -- released on Wednesday, stressed that there is a desperate need for master plan to pave a way forward in dealing with flood-like situations in the coming years. 

The firm also mentioned that restoration and construction of Bengaluru’s stormwater infrastructure are of prime importance to avoid social and economic losses due to urban flooding. The report said the city’s share of built-up area ballooned to 93% in 2020 from 37% in 2002.

The existing population already has a cascading impact along with rapid real estate development around lakes and over stormwater drains in the city, the report said.

Last year’s flooding was due to the decline in the city’s capacity to absorb rainwater significantly. Currently, Bengaluru has 842 km of primary and secondary drainage. To complement the spatial expansion, the city broadly requires an addition of 658 km of primary and secondary drains, the firm said. 

BENGALURU: School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa kicked off the reopening of government schools on Wednesday by distributing sweets, textbooks and uniforms to students.

Government schools in the state reopened on Wednesday, welcoming students to the first day of the 2023-24 academic year. As part of this, the School Education Department ordered sweets to be distributed to students on the first day, with the newly appointed minister leading the charge in several government schools in rural Karnataka, including in Devanahalli. “We distributed sweets, textbooks and government uniforms to the students. I wish them a bright future on the resumption of their education,” he said on social media.

As many as 44.78 lakh state syllabus students returned to their schools across the state as the new academic year began. A similar sight was seen across the state, with sweets, uniforms and textbooks being distributed to the students ahead of the start of their classes. Ahead of schools reopening, teachers and other staff facilitated the cleaning up of the schools on Monday and Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, according to the School Education Department and the Karnataka Text Book Society (KTBS), uniforms and textbooks were distributed to the schools and were only pending direct distribution from teachers to the students on the first day of school.

Meanwhile, the department had also ordered the immediate resumption of the midday meal scheme from the first day. In this context, Akshaya Patra Foundation also resumed its services in providing midday meals to around 70,000 children in 1,272 government schools in the Bengaluru city area.

“We are pleased to restart mid-day meals after the summer vacation in Karnataka. Our foundation firmly believes that no child should be deprived of education because of hunger. By providing nutritious meals, we aim to ensure that every child receives the necessary nourishment to thrive academically and physically,” said the foundation’s vice-chairman Chanchalapathi Dasa.

BENGALURU:  Observing that the Circuit Benches of the High Court at Dharwad and Kalaburagi were first set up and later converted into permanent benches, after taking into consideration various factors and interests of the litigant public, the Karnataka High Court dismissed a public interest litigation filed against the establishment of those Benches. 

On May 30, a division bench of Justice B Veerappa and Justice KS Hemalekha dismissed the petition filed by city-based advocate NP Amrutesh in 2014, seeking to strike down the establishment of the HC Circuit Benches at Dharwad and Kalaburagi in 2004, on the ground that there shall be a High Court for each state, in view of the provisions of Article 214 of the Constitution. He also sought directions to conduct a performance audit with regard to investment, expenditure and functional viability of those benches by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. 

“The distance from Bengaluru, which is the principal seat of the High Court, to various district centres of North Karnataka ranges between 425km and 613km, and hence litigants from all those districts have to travel a long distance to reach the principal seat of the High Court.

It is highly expensive, besides being time-consuming... In the circumstances, it is not open for the petitioner to contend that the establishment at Kalaburagi and Dharwad is a futile exercise. In fact, lakhs of people benefited from the establishment of the courts and the people of North Karnataka are happy...” the court said. 

“As the courts came to their doorstep, awareness of legal rights has increased in the citizens of North Karnataka and accordingly, the litigants approached the courts with great expectations of speedy and qualitative justice,” the court observed. 

BENGALURU: Every person walking on the road is a James Bond, and errant cops cannot go unnoticed for long with the kind of technology available to the common citizen, says Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda. The efficiency of every police officer at the police station level will be judged by the number of petitioners or complainants who come to my office, he told TNIE.

What is the vision of the new police commissioner?
Access to police or justice should not be only for the rich, powerful and politically influential people but also for common citizens. This vision has been conveyed to all officers serving in the city. 

What measures will be taken to tackle cyber crime cases?
Simple cyber crime cases can be dealt with at the jurisdictional police station level as they don’t require much expertise and complicated procedures. Cases pile up because investigating officers require cooperation from service providers in gaining access to login details. In financial cases, cooperation from banks plays a vital role in getting details of bank accounts and addresses of account holders. Serious cyber cases, like bitcoin deals, have to be registered with the CEN police station or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) cybercrime division.

What is the importance of social media in policing?
Social media is a double-edged sword. It has both advantages and disadvantages. Bengaluru City Police have a good connection with people and can reach a larger audience through it. However, if it is misused or abused to disturb peace in society, stringent action will be taken. Action has been taken against police personnel based on complaints on social media.

What measures will be taken to solve the problems of aggrieved citizens at the police station level?
The efficiency of every police officer will be judged by the number of petitioners or complainants who come to the office of the police commissioner. This has been conveyed to all the officers. All problems have to be addressed at the police station level itself. If complainants approach higher officials, it shows the inefficiency of police officers at the station level. No aggrieved person wants to approach senior officials, and do so only when the local police do not respond or act, or do some damage. Their Annual Confidential Report (ACR) will be decided based on the number of petitioners who reach my office.

What action will be taken against erring officers?
There will be transparency in transfers. Erring officers will have to face the consequences. It is not like the system has protected them or rewarded them. The situation is not what it was 20 years ago when there was no social and digital media. Anyone trying to hoodwink the system in these times is a fool, and will definitely get caught.

BENGALURU: In line with the theme of World No Tobacco Day -- We want food, not Tobacco -- the University of Agricultural Science (UAS), Bengaluru, and Consortium for Tobacco Free Karnataka (CFTFK) have urged tobacco farmers to shift to other economical crops.

“UAS is willing to support tobacco farmers to shift to other alternative crops. If the state government extends financial support, we can demonstrate models,” said Dr S V Suresha, vice-chancellor of UAS.

Nearly 50 tobacco-growing farmers from Mysuru, Belagavi and other regions took part in the consultation where adopting alternate crops like sugarcane, maize, pulses and millets was discussed. Kumar, president of the Mysore District Farmers’ Association, said, “The government encouraged us to grow tobacco, now it has to help us to shift to other crops as many farmers like me have realised the harmful effects of tobacco.”

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao took part in a cyclothon to create awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco. The event was organised by the State Tobacco Control Cell. In another event, organised by the Karnataka No For Tobacco, hundreds of students carried out a rally from Freedom Park to Vidhana Soudha holding placards and showcasing tableaux depicting the harmful effects of tobacco. 

‘STOP TOBACCO’  APP GETS 530 PLAINTS 
Namrata Sindwani @Bengaluru: Since its launch in February, as many as 520 complaints have been reported on the Stop Tobacco app. Sale of tobacco to minors and around school premises as well as smoking in public places were the major complaints, officials said. Action under Sections 4, 6A and 6B of COTPA has been taken on all complaints and Rs 8,000 in fines have been collected so far. 

BENGALURU:  A novel initiative to promote letter writing as well as cycling will be organised in the city by Bengaluru Postal Region and Namma Nimma Cycle Foundation. The month-long programme will begin on World Cycling Day (June 3) simultaneously at 10 post offices in South Bengaluru.

S Rajendra Kumar, Chief  Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, told TNIE that students will be urged to write letters at home and bring them to post offices. Employees at post offices will help students to post their letters. “We are looking at students cycling upto 3 km to the nearest post office to take part in the event. The best letters will be given prizes to motivate students,” he said.

Inspiring and popular letters written by prominent personalities in the past will be digitised and displayed at all post offices, he said.

HR Murali, CEO of Namma Nimma Cycle Foundation, which has been promoting cycling for the last decade, said the programme will be held between 8 am and 9 am on all Saturdays. “The programme will promote cycling among children apart from building a bond with the postal department,” he added.

The event will be held at post offices at Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, JP Nagar and GPO in the first week. At HAL II Stage, Koramangala 6th Block, Malleswaram, Sadashivanagara and Bengaluru University in the subsequent weeks, Murali said.

In all, 650 students from four schools are expected to take part with 300 of them cycling and 350 writing letters.

The letters should be addressed to the postmaster on the theme,  Visit Karnataka, Cycle in Karnataka. The best three letters at each post office will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 every week, the CEO said.

BENGALURU:  If you have been hooked to Instagram reels where many beauty bloggers are suggesting dupes to high-end luxury brands, then you are not alone. If you are getting your favourite lip colour or fragrance at an affordable price, what’s the harm? Well...doctors say it might not be the best thing you would be putting on your skin. 

Dr Jyothi Bandi, a cosmetologist, says dupes are all over the field of medicine. “Cosmetics dupes are rampant because there is no proper regulation, system, or process. Clients and customers are easily influenced by somebody promoting something and purchasing them without checking the content. There are long-term or short-term side effects or complications associated with such products,” says Bandi, adding that some of the products could even lead to skin cancer eventually. 

One of the biggest problems that experts like Chaitanya K, an aesthetician find, is the lack of safety testing. “Not only do these dupes contain low-quality ingredients, but they might also have a different composition as well. This could lead to adverse reactions and we are also not sure if they contain any carcinogenic or harmful substances which might lead to major skin problems down the road,” she adds.

The other aspect that Chaitanya points out is that most of the time these cosmetics or skincare lines do not provide the same level of performance and buyers lose faith in the ingredient. “For example, a retinol that someone picks up from a new brand might not work, so they feel that the real retinol also does not work,” she explains. 

Shanu Suresh, an actor who has to use makeup for her work on most days, has seen the effect first-hand. “If something is premium, I want the quality to speak for itself. But sometimes in movies, the team would not have packed a premium brand product so I have to go with what is available. And you can clearly see the difference. In front of the camera, the makeup has to set well but it can come across patchy,” says Suresh.

Even though many experts have always been vocal about their concern about dupe cosmetics, why is it still popular with people? Geeta Rao, co-founder of a makeup academy, says it all comes down to accessibility. “We do use dupes. We have an academy where we teach students, and everyone can’t afford to buy premium brands. It’s also how you mix the products to get the same effect. It does work and looks the same. But of course, the application would be better if it’s a premium brand,” says Rao.

BENGALURU:   This year, we have been witnessing extreme climatic changes. While for a week we deal with soaring temperatures, the next few days we experience rain. This has led to a lot of ailments in newborn, children and adults. 

Viral flu-like illness
In these extremes of temperature, so many children and adults come with temperature of  103°F to 106°F with poor oral intake and extreme fatigue as fever progresses each day.

Antipyretic with tepid sponging with adequate hydration and supportive measures helps get rid of this prolonged fever.

Skin boils
Due to extreme humidity, infants, children and adults are prone to skin boils with numerous papular lesions over the neck, back, armpit, groin area which lead to constant irritation. These skin boils later change into folliculitis.

Bathing twice a day and applying aloe vera cream may be helpful. Antifungal plus anti-bacterial may be needed.

Ringworm infections
Ringworm infections with itching are most commonly seen in groins and buttocks due to excessive perspiration. Avoiding excessive sweating ad using antifungals play a major role in treatment.

Conjuctivitis
Due to irritant pollens in dry humid air, eyes are prone to irritation. With constant rubbing, it leads to conjunctivitis. Frequent hand washing and avoiding travel between 12 noon and 3pm can help prevent the disease.

Chickenpox
Numerous vesicles are noted in the face with fever, itching and severe myalgia in adults. Supportive treatment with adequate hydration with skin emmolients may be helpful.

Obesity
Kids are reluctant to play outside and opt for gadgets instead. Screen time leads to an increase in weight with more propensity to metabolic syndromes.

Behavioural problems
With many families having single child, and them spending hours on end in an air-conditioned room, most children have lost the ability to interact. They are occupied mentally leading to loss of emotional quotient and thus social attachment gets deprived. Hence, there are more chances of autism and behavioural problems developing in kids.

(The writer is  assistant professor,  Neonatology Department, Government Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children)

BENGALURU:   Before fans preached Madonna like a prayer, before Britney Spears was in the zone before Lady Gaga had her bad romance, and before Beyoncé ran the world, there was Tina Turner...forging the path for the future to follow. When the quintessential ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ breathed her last on May 24 at the age of 83, she left a world bereaved and mournful. The Garden City happens to be among the many lands that rocked to Turner’s music and long-time Bengalureans feel Turner’s absence on the rock ‘n’ roll charts, a little more than others. 

Thespian and author Kirtana Kumar (57) refers to Bengaluru of the ’80s as the ‘loosey-goosey Bangalore Cantonment that birthed many mavericks and other souls willing to walk down roads less taken’. During that ‘maverick’ era in 1985, a 19-year-old Kumar starred in an ode to Tina Turner for Doordarshan (DD). “It was all Kevin Oliver’s idea and conceptualisation. He wrapped me in aluminium foil and a black leatherette mini, had me hanging out of the-then newly constructed glass elevator of the hotel Le Meridien and shot a music video of me singing Turner’s We Don’t Need Another Hero for Doordarshan Kendra, Bangalore. It was done so long ago...before music videos in India were a thing.  I just had a blast! It continued to play on DD for some years because I’d have friends and strangers tell me about it,” recalls Kumar. 

Pervin Varma (58), a musician and professional working in the development sector, discovered Turner when she released her comeback solo record Private Dancer in 1984. “I had always grown up seeing her and Ike Turner as a duo, but I got into her music after Private Dancer dropped. Experiencing her sheer artistry and musicianship, and the fact that she came back in such a big fashion at the age of 44, which was unheard of. We were in college in those days and there was a thriving live music scene. Back then, Bangalore was one of the few places to have all-women electric bands who were playing fully rock music. It was quite radical. Artistes like Turner and Pat Benatar inspired women to realise that they could rock too,” shares Varma. Interestingly, when Private Dancer dropped, 44-year-old Turner became the oldest female solo artiste to top the Billboard Hot 100 list. 

Music producer and mentor Richard Andrew (47) was heartbroken to find out about Turner’s passing last week. “Tina has been one of my inspirations. She led a hard life especially her abusive relationship with her former husband Ike. So, for her to shine despite all the constraints and overcome all obstacles, I took that personally. It was heartbreaking to hear of her passing because she and Michael Jackson are the biggest influences in my career and even in some of my students’ careers. I have put together so many events for women who rock, and Tina has always been a popular feature, even to this day. I have taught so many students who love performing her songs,” he says. 

Turner’s influence is not just restricted to the ‘mavericks’ (in Kumar’s words) of the city but the future generations as well. One of Andrew’s mentees, Tanya Shanker (17) sang a cover of Turner’s hit The Best, as a tribute to the late singer a couple of years ago. “People continue to be her fan. Singing one of her songs on stage was definitely a technically challenging experience. I tried a lot to emulate her closely, but you can never compare to her,” says Shanker. 

When you Google Tina Turner on the search bar, Google responds by asking ‘Are you looking for: simply the best’. It may be an error on their part but also...maybe not. Maybe we were looking for the best and maybe that’s why we looked her up.

BENGALURU:   There are engineers, and there is the paper engineer – a rare breed that uses tools like scissors, paper, glue and knives to make pop-up books. I always assumed pop-up books were for kids, but then I realised that they are just as fun for adults too! I rediscovered the pop-up book after having a deeper appreciation of the engineering involved. Pop-up books or movable books have existed since the Middle Ages. The earliest example is a manuscript dating to 1121, titled Liber Floridus, that illustrates the orbits of the planets around earth. The top part of the page folds up as a gatefold to reveal the full illustration.

Pop-up books now have some of the most intricately-crafted paper scenes from classic literature to abstract art, cultural icons to poetry, wondrous creatures and mind-bending alphabets – each book will take you on a journey through the sophisticated, multisensory world of these paper scenes. 

Matthew Reinhart is one of the masters in this field with his Star Wars: A Pop-up Guide to the Galaxy making it to the New York Times bestseller list in 2007. Creating a pop-up book can take up to two years and Reinhart has produced several, on subjects ranging from dinosaurs to Harry Potter. Although most pop-up books are now produced in China, Thailand and Laos, they have a global reach and retain their niche readership despite their steep prices.

Robert Sabuda is another master, who created Alice in Wonderland. I have opened the book so often that a small piece of paper jets out when I try to close it. It’s one thing to open a pop-up book: it’s another to close it!  

Ellen G K Rubin is considered the final authority on pop-up books. Ellen had just completed her exhibition at Grolier Club and she very generously explained to me the history of pop-up books and her own journey as a collector. She discovered pop-up books while reading to her two sons – one was on trucks and the other, on dinosaurs. For someone who went to Yale medical school and is a trained microbiologist, her passion may seem odd but she says that pop-up books are a better conversation topic at a cocktail party than bone marrow transplants!

Since she discovered movable books over 25 years ago, Ellen Rubin has now more than 11,000 books and thousands of uncatalogued movable ephemera. She lectures and writes about her books, conducts workshops, curates exhibitions and hosts her website, The Popuplady (popuplady.com), to disseminate information on the subject. 

Her speech ‘A History of Pop-up and Movable Books: 700 Years of Paper Engineering’ (available on YouTube) is the best source of information on the subject. When I asked her what she would do with her collection, she said she is in the process of choosing an institution that can house it. Her mantra is ‘shop and share’!

Animated Advertising is a lively look at an underexplored niche in the history of American marketing, graphic design and paper engineering. Drawing from Rubin’s collection, the book, illustrated with 250 colour images, demonstrates how animated and dimensional paper devices have been used throughout US and European history to promote products, art, entertainment, and ideas. Rubin’s examples of historical paper pop-ups show how they leaped from the pack of standard marketing materials to catch the eye of clientele and inform them about the products. 

The Movable Book Society presents the Meggendorfer Prize for Best Paper Engineering for the most outstanding commercially published pop-up or movable book at its biennial conference.

In an increasingly digital world, making handmade pop-up books can be a great hobby. You can explore various online tutorials (check out Mathew Reinhart’s online pop-up-tutorials) to learn hand craftsmanship and drive your creativity. Consider making your own pop-up cards or even books as gifts for your loved ones!

(The author is a technologist based in Silicon Valley who is gently mad about books)

BENGALURU:   It  was a big deal for the Indian community when Bengaluru hudugi Deepika Padukone was on the billboards as the face of the French global brand, Louis Vuitton. Most recently, she was featured in the global campaign of Cartier. Alia Bhatt, who starred in the Telugu blockbuster RRR, became the first Indian global ambassador for Gucci. City-girl Anushka Sharma also debuted at the Cannes Film Festival for her brand endorsement. Indian actors with a south Indian connection have been head-turners on global platforms in recent times.  

Fashion guru Prasad Bidapa, who has closely worked with Padukone and Sharma, says both the girls have it in them to be where they are today. “Deepika Padukone’s trajectory to becoming an international superstar is defined by the super luxury brands in her kitty, as we say in Bollywood! From Louis Vuitton, arguably the world’s top luxury brand, to iconic jewellery brand Cartier – Deepika fits the bill. Brands like Levi’s and Adidas, Pottery Barn and now even Qatar Airways pitch Deepika as their global ambassador, recognising her ability to connect with a global audience. She definitely adds lustre to the city’s international status,” says Bidapa, who had trained Sharma during her modelling days. 

If we are speaking about Indian ladies making the right noises, how can we forget Priyanka Chopra, who was the first Indian woman to be the face of the fashion brand, Guess, in 2013. Now PC, who started her acting career with the Tamil movie Thamizhan, is a common face alongside Anne Hathaway and Zendaya promoting luxury brand Bvlgari. City-based model Sangeetha Ramesh points out that Chopra’s presence in the international scene surely brought a lot of attention to the Indian market. “She might have started it all, since we had few supermodels, in the international space, but definitely after her, a lot of attention has come to the Indian market. Not just luxury brands, the west’s interest in Indian faces have gone up. For example, we have Indian actors in shows like Bridgerton,” says Ramesh. 

When it comes to the luxury market, it’s not all about beauty. According to brand guru Harish Bijoor, there is a huge strategy in terms of marketing.  “International luxury brands have a penchant for the different and the exotic. India is both. Indian actors are really representative icons that define this. In addition, India is a brand new brand story. It is a market waiting to lap up luxury products and services. A popular Indian face on a luxury brand is imperative to use. For the Indian consumer, it means recognition, reliability and a pull,” explains Bijoor.

These actors are not just promoting the brand but are also representing the country. Bia Sandhu Taneja, an image stylist, says the best thing to carry on global platforms is confidence. “Be it Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra, their body language has always represented what’s on their minds. And this is the confidence that brands are looking for,” says Sandhu Taneja.

BENGALURU:   The 30s are a strange decade. Even as you begin to reach the dreaded Three-Zero, people begin setting life-goals for themselves. It’s almost like we are watching our own biopics, and the climax needs to be finalised urgently. As I began approaching my 30s, questions about passion and profession began to trouble me like determined mosquitoes in Bellandur lake.

They kept asking me when I would find my calling in life, and why I wasn’t already a middle-order batsman in the Chennai Super Kings. I have always wondered why the 30s are so difficult for us. When we move from teens to 20s, we are excited about the possibilities life has to offer. But just a decade later, we torture ourselves over ourselves – flogging our brains to find a solution. 

Friendship in childhood is a magical fairy tale. It is when you find that there is that one person for you in the world. Till then, the people in our lives were chosen for us – parents, teachers, tuition teachers. Friends were the first choices we made – based on common interests, or something as mundane as sitting on the same bench. A teenage friend is an explorer along with you. Friendships in the 20s are a matter of abundance. Finally liberated from our schools, we begin to explore – into our desires, passions, and goals. It is a decade filled with the anxiety of going from an education to a job. The friends you make in your 20s are usually from your college or workplace. Someone who shares a cigarette, or a secret. Friends in your 20s all know of your passions in life, and your fledgling relationships. 

By the time we reach our 30s, we have found our paths in life. Our friends in school and college have moved on. It makes us question if friendship is mostly relegated to childhood, memories, and nostalgia. But I have made more friends in my 30s than in my earlier decades. Friendships in the 30s are earned, not allotted. You get to find people with similar interests, and nurture them in a mature manner. The other myth propagated is that a city is lonely, and values like friendship are only found in ‘purer’ places like your hometown. As a man firmly entrenched in my 30s, I can vouch for the fact that this is untrue. The 30s give you the option to choose your friends, without having to sacrifice emotions in return. I have made friends in bars, squash courts, cafes, and movie theatres. These are friendships that don’t lay a heavy tax on my soul. It made me realise that a city is teeming with people, all a little lonely. 

Look around you, and you will find people who will break out into a smile over a conversation. An entire multitude of people who have stepped out of their homes to chase their dreams. We have always been told that it is better to have a few great friends, than many ordinary ones. But is that necessarily true? Living your 30s in a city teaches you that friendships could also be brief and momentary. That friendship could be need-based, and there is nothing wrong with that. The friends you make in your 30s are closest to the person you are – your choice of the people you like to hang out with. And that there’s something cool about sitting with your friends, and discussing the best life insurance policies for each other!

(The writer’s views are his own)

BENGALURU:   City-based Indo jazz band MoonArra is going on a tour of Europe, their first since the pandemic and their longest one yet. During the month-long trip from June 1 to June 28, the musical act will tour multiple European countries and do a total of 12 concerts and four workshops.

“We had gotten an invitation to perform in Hungary in 2020 for the Pannonhalma Jazz Summer Festival but couldn’t make it once Covid hit. So, we have been ready for a European tour since then. We got invitations from other countries as well, and that’s why we decided to make a tour out of it. We will be going to Sweden, Germany, Austria, Italy and Hungary. We are greatly looking forward to it,” shares Jagadeesh Ramanujam Mudambi, the band’s founder, composer and guitarist.

The band members, who collaborate with various musicians across the globe, feel it is all about opening the idea of Indo jazz to the world. “Usually in each country, we first do rehearsals for a day or two with international artistes. We send the songs beforehand. Then we go back and forth and discuss the composition. There’s a lot of spontaneity involved in the process, just like jazz. In our live shows, we improvise a lot as it is the core of jazz and is the core of what we do,” he says. 

Having founded the band in Bengaluru back in 2006, Mudambi says the city is one of the most culturally vibrant places in the country. “We constantly see many younger folks showing up at our concerts. That is always nice to see as jazz is quite a mature form of music, so you don’t really expect a young crowd. Outside of performing, I have organised many jazz festivals as well, and there has always been an audience for jazz, and it has been steadily growing over the years,” says Mudambi. 

Being an Indo jazz band, one of their early inspirations has been the fusion band Shakti, which started fusing jazz with Indian classical influences in the ’70s. Apart from their upcoming tour, the band is working on a new album as well. “We are continuing to work on our album, which we started during the pandemic. We will also be recording new songs during our tour, especially in Austria, Sweden and Hungary. We expect to release it by this year’s end,” says Mudambi.

BENGALURU:  Those who can, do, those who can’t, talk about it.” These were the words of broadcasting legend Murray Walker in reference to motorsports in general. But perhaps it better applies to motorcycle racing. A convergence of adrenaline, skill and much bravado, motorcycle racing is not only an exciting sport, but is among the most dangerous ones. But for anyone looking at 12-year-old Shreyas Hareesh’s racing record so far, the sport would seem like a cakewalk. 

Currently preparing for the upcoming FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing championship  (FMSCI-INMRC) –  the premier racing championship in the country – Bengaluru-based Hareesh’s achievements in a span of just four years are beyond impressive – the first Indian MiniGP champion, and runner-up in rookie class at the FMSCI-INMRC 2022. 

Despite his age, Hareesh’s success at the rookie category in the previous season of MSCI-INMRC meant he has earned a promotion to the pro-stock category for this season. Rather than being intimidated by the prospect of racing against experienced riders, Hareesh exudes a quiet confidence. “I’m confident about racing in pro stock, because I always looked up to racing against the big boys. Having waited so long, it’s now finally time. I’m hoping it will be a good place to learn at,” he adds. 

In preparation for the season, Hareesh underwent a rigorous training programme in Valencia, Spain. Once the training finished, Hareesh father Hareesh Parandhaman decided to enter him into a round of the MiniVelocity Spanish Cup earlier this month. Amid initial apprehensions from Hareesh’s trainer, he was entered into the race as wild card and with a rental bike. Despite a strong qualifying, he was relegated into last place following grid penalties (his rental bike didn’t meet homologated standards). Nevertheless, the Bengaluru youngster managed to outpace much of the Spanish riders in the two races that weekend, climbing back to take P5 and P4 positions, respectively. 

Ahead of the first round of FMSCI-INMRC at Tamil Nadu (round 1 in Coimbatore and Chennai) this weekend, Hareesh believes his experience in Valencia will come in handy. “The training in Spain helped me improve my riding technique, both in body position and braking. Also the Valencia race weekend helped me sample the level of competition internationally. Now I’ll be able to practise at the same level. I’m expecting a challenging championship since I will be up against some of the best in the category. But I am hoping I will be able to apply my training and learn,” he shares. 

One of the key strengths that has made Hareesh such a force through his career has to do with his skill under braking. An aggressive style that helps him take lines that his competitors struggle to emulate has allowed him to scythe through the field during races. “I grew up believing that a rider’s technique is what makes them fast rather than the bike. So I try to give my best every time I’m on the track, but I think I perform better during races when I’m most under pressure,” he concludes.

BENGALURU: After a woman was killed in a submerged KR Circle underpass following heavy downpour on May 21, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has started work on repairing, cleaning drains and improving connectivity at KR Circle.

However, heavy traffic has been impeding engineering and storm water drain works, and little has been done. “Work to clear channels to ensure free flow of water is under way. But the traffic movement is slowing down our work. We will request the traffic police to close the flyover for at least 15 days. We will also check all the underpasses in the city, especially those which are vulnerable to avoid any untoward incidents,” a senior BBMP official said.

Ahead of heavy showers, the BBMP is planning to write to the traffic police to close the KR Circle underpass connecting Nrupatunga Road for at least 15 days. The BBMP has already requested the traffic police to close the underpasses whenever it rains. The works were supposed to be done during summer and pre-monsoon period, the official said, but it was delayed due to elections.

“We will also seek reports from the contractors regarding the works. They have shown in the bills works have been done. When there is flooding, it might not be the case. If the connectivity of water channels were checked in advance, flooding would not have happened,” the official said.

BENGALURU: In a big relief to citizens and activists, the Karnataka High Court on Monday stayed all further investigation in the case related to a peaceful protest against the government’s plan to widen Sankey Road and the construction of a flyover.

The High Court was hearing a plea filed by Avijit Michael, a resident and one of the 70 activists against whom First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed at the Sadashivanagar Police Station. 

Based on the court order, the Halasuru Gate police station on Tuesday filed a B report, which means the police have not found any evidence against the accused to file a chargesheet and seek trial.  “I never doubted the High Court would uphold our constitutional right. This a victory for active citizens and democracy,” said Avijit.

Criminal cases were filed against the 70 protesting citizens on February 19, 2023 by the Sadashivanagar police. The citizens were taking part in a silent march wearing black and hugging trees near Sankey Tank. The police had filed cases under various sections, including 341, 141, 149, and 283 of IPC, which pertain to wrongful confinement, unlawful assembly and obstruction of public way. 

After a opposition from activists, civic groups and even political parties, the case was transferred to the Halsuru Gate Police Station for an unbiased investigation.

“We are hopeful that the new Congress government will officially cancel the flyover and road widening project. Congress, then in opposition, had in February strongly supported us in our efforts to stop the unscientific Sankey Flyover,” said Kimsuka Iyer from the Citizens for Sankey. 

She urged the government to constitute the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) so that mobility experts can find solutions to traffic-related problems.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike in December 2022 had decided to go ahead with the proposed widening of Sankey Tank Bund road and flyover from T Chowdaiah Road, Sadashivanagar to Malleswaram 18th Cross, measuring 600 metres in length. 

The agitation by citizens had made Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) go back on its plans. Members of the Citizens for Sankey had asked experts to analyse the project. Ashish Verma, a sustainable mobility researcher, from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), examined the Detailed Project Report by the BBMP and opined that flyovers just shift the point of congestion and do not solve traffic problems. He had suggested that the BBMP should study alternatives and spillover effects before finalising the construction.

Environmentalists, who were also worried that the infrastructure project would lead to cutting of at least 60 trees, some as old as 100 years old, are now relaxed. Environmentalists said approaching courts seems to be the only way to stop the government’s highhandedness in implementing civil projects. The project was also going to affect two schools in the area.

BENGALURU: It was a narrow escape for passengers waiting at the state-of-the-art Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal at Baiyappanahalli around 1.45pm Tuesday, as multiple metal panels holding the ceiling gave way, and sections of the inner roof began crashing down, both at the circulating area at the entrance and on Platform One. 

Nearly 50 passengers seated at the entrance began to flee with their luggage. Despite this, a few luggage bags, including a TV set, were damaged.  The Rs 314-crore structure, India’s first centrally air-conditioned railway station, was inaugurated a year ago, on June 6. The roof had suffered a similar collapse in November last year, but it was on a minor scale. 

When TNIE visited the station, broken metal from the roof was dumped in a corner and portions of the station were sealed.

An eyewitness told TNIE, “With the Howrah Express departure delayed by nearly three hours today, general ticket passengers who had to board the train were waiting outside the terminal. When it started raining, they rushed to the circulating area for shelter. Suddenly, there were fierce winds and the roof panels started tearing and falling. This gave passengers time to run inside the terminal.”

A source said the iron sheet material is both heavy and sharp. “Passengers were lucky the panels did not fall on anyone.”

Another eyewitness said, “One of the panels fell on a TV set a passenger was carrying home, and broke it. Luggage also suffered damage.” 

Giving details of the weather conditions, private weather forecaster Adarsh Gowda told TNIE,“Winds were quite intense and gusty close to SMVT Station, touching up to 65 kmph for ten minutes. Normal wind speed here is 30-40 kmph. It also got 40mm of rainfall for 25 minutes.”

SUBWAY CONNECTING 7 PLATFORMS FLOODED
The subway at the far end which connects the seven platforms was flooded, and water had to be drained out using a motor. Housekeeping staffers mopping the floor complained about the station. “God only knows what work they have done, after spending so much. Every time it rains, the subway is flooded. Our hands are aching today,” one of them them. Some passengers carried their luggage on their heads, while others opted for the buggy to avoid getting drenched. 

BENGALURU: Despite last week’s fish kill in Madiwala Lake, precious little has been done to restore the quality of water. Even on Tuesday morning, hundreds of dead fish washed along the banks of the lake. 

Lake activists have once again flagged the negligence of the BBMP and the Karnataka Forest Department, Bengaluru Urban Division, for failing to stop sewage from entering the lake. “Not just fish, but microscopic organisms are also being affected due to bad quality of water. It will take at least a year to rejuvenate this lake,” said Manjunath, lake activist, Federation of Bengaluru Lakes.  

Frustrated at the apathy on the part of the authorities, activists and citizens took matter into their own hands to at least contain the damage. They hired an excavator to fix a portion of the wall of the stormwater drain, which was damaged on May 25, that was letting in huge amount of sewage into the lake.  

Meanwhile, Deputy Conservator of Forests Chakrapani Y said they had communicated to the BBMP to fix the damaged wall. “It is not just the responsibility of the Forest Department. All officials have to work in tandem.” 

He also added that the department doesn’t handle inlets of the lake and taking care of the lake is part of the “larger landscape of the area,” which is the responsibility of the BBMP. 

The Range Forest Officer (RFO) said, “The citizens helped to restore the wall and other measures have been taken considering the onset of monsoon onset.” He added that the fish kill numbers were not so high, and “there is nothing to worry about.”

BENGALURU: A 23-year-old man became a victim of sextortion after he shared his nude photographs and videos with an unidentified woman on Facebook. 

The victim, N Pradeep (name changed), a resident of Magadi who is self-employed, accepted a friend request from a woman who introduced herself as S Deepika, and claimed to be from Ramanagara. They also exchanged their contact numbers, following which Deepika compelled Pradeep to share his nude videos and photos, and in return, received similar ones, claiming to be hers. 

Following this, the blackmailer threatened to circulate his explicit videos and pictures among his friends on social media, if her monetary demands were not met. Fake social media accounts were created in Pradeep’s name, and the accused even shared a pornographic video generated using his pictures. 

Pradeep filed a complaint on Sunday and a CEN police station registered a case and took up investigation. 
Pradeep said he got the friend request on April 23 this year, and they exchanged phone numbers on May 17, after which Deepika expressed her love for him. Falling for this hoax, he shared his nudes the next day. On May 26, the victim discovered four fake social media accounts with his name and pictures.

“It is unclear if the victim was actually extorted. He has requested us to take down all his fake social media accounts,” said an officer. 

The Cyber Crime Division of the CID has requested the public to exercise caution while accepting friend request from unknown persons.

BENGALURU:  Tobacco-related cancer cases have alarmingly increased with rising tobacco consumption, with oral cavity being the highest affected organ. 

On World No-Tobacco Day, celebrated every year on May 31, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) observed that a majority of patients seeking treatment for cancer, especially males, were affected due to tobacco. 

KMIO’s recent findings showed that oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, lungs, larynx and urinary bladder were most affected due to tobacco consumption. Available data suggest that tobacco-related cancer cases are more among men (over 45%) and smoking is the leading cause of mortality; 90% of deaths in men and 80% in women.

Doctors said most of the patients are from poor socio-economic backgrounds, who are unaware of the implications of consuming tobacco in one form or another -- heart and respiratory diseases, sleeplessness, urinary bladder issues, impotency in men, menstrual imbalances, stillbirth and cervical cancer in women to name a few.  

This year, WHO announced the theme ‘We Need Food, Not Tobacco’, to reduce the consumption and cultivation of tobacco across the world. 

The Karnataka health department has also organised a cyclathon on Wednesday to create awareness about the impact of tobacco cultivation and consumption on the environment, health and economy. Newly inducted Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao will flag off the event from Aarogya Soudha. 

So far, the state’s tobacco control cell has succeeded to make 30 villages tobacco-free. With Karnataka being the second largest producer of tobacco products in India, after Andhra Pradesh, extra measures are being taken to promote alternative crop production among tobacco cultivating farmers.