City: Bengaluru

In an earlier article, we had discussed how customised investment, depending on one’s present and future needs, could help tide over financial crises, for example one caused by a sudden job loss. But to secure an effective shield for the future, one needs to do his homework well and research the various short term, middle term and long term options available. Here is a brief guide to help you get started on your research on the instruments you could consider for your portfolio. Pic courtesy: Pixabay Mutual Funds and ELSS A mutual fund is typically an investment vehicle made up…

It is strange that in an age where technology has connected people in a wide variety of ways that we seem so disconnected as citizens. This disconnection becomes the challenge of our society. Though we have immediate access to tons of information we seem incapable of finding common­sense solutions to the problems we face. The culture and context of our communities need to be reestablished-(Roberts, 2006).As technologists and organizations, we create many civic tools. But sadly most of it ends of up remaining with organizations or a specific group of people and is never put to use by others. RHoK…

The fate of the contentious steel flyover is uncertain now with the imposition of an interim stay order for four weeks by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), but the project is far from being scrapped. A media report suggests that the  the Chief Minister has ordered officials to commence work from the Hebbal side, with indications that the government may be open to consultations regarding developments south of Mekhri circle. The steel flyover has seen one of the biggest civil society mobilisations ever in Bengaluru, with very vocal public protests and petitions against the project involving people from different walks of life.…

Economic cycles have become an irreversible part of our lives. Job losses have become all too common in today’s world. Gone are the days when one joined a company and was assured of a job till superannuation. The opening up of the economy in the year 1991 brought in its wake economic opportunities as well as its fair share of pitfalls. Namma Ooru Bengaluru, has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of economic liberalization. Not surprisingly, it has also borne the brunt in fair measure. Bangalore today houses a number of industries where job losses and contract jobs are de…

Lamps, snacks and crackers in the company of family. A perfect way of celebrating Deepavali! A festival where moderation invariably flies out of the window, especially in the presence of all that food, and the fun. During this festival that is celebrated across the length and breadth of our country, people do tend to get reckless, and a little careless too. They seem to forget that, the very same fire that lights lamps and crackers, can also cause burns and fire accidents. Let me rephrase that - it is the things people do / don’t do that causes the same…

The Fugees' rendition of “Killing me softly with his song… “ is beautiful and an all-time favourite. Though it was recorded in 1996 I have begun to identify with it especially of late, but with the lyrics changed. I could spontaneously hum “Killing me softly with your smoke…”  every time my lungs are filled with acrid smoke from the many ‘Bangalore trash’ fires and I find it difficult to breathe. Garbage is being burnt with impunity, apparently under your and the BBMP’s watchful eyes! It has increased manifold across the city over the past nine months and is symptomatic of…

Vinay Sreenivasa of BBMP Contract Pourakarmika Union, talks to Radio Active 90.4Mhz on the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike not revising the payment of contract labourers, despite the hike in minimum wages that took place three months ago. You would all remember our numerous protests over the past two years demanding increase in wages. Presently we receive little above Rs 7,000/- with which we are to pay our rent, food, education, health, etc. These abysmally low wages have forced us into a cycle of poverty and debt, which is never ending. It is to address this that our Union took up…

  CITIZEN MATTERS Bangalore's own interactive newsmagazine Speak up, it's your city! Dear Reader, Season’s greetings! It’s going to be Deepavali this weekend. While the festival of lights brings in joy and celebration, it’s also the time when pollution peaks, and crackers only add to it. Is anything being done to create awareness among children on harmful effects of crackers? Ponder over this: Deepavali in the city: can it be safer and ecofriendly? The Steel Flyover Debate Weekends in Bengaluru these days are a witness to a citizen movement that the city never saw in recent days: a human chain…

The people of Basapura, a growing neighbourhood in Electronic City, face a serious health hazard as tons of mixed waste including plastic are burnt every day, right in the heart of a residential area. The garbage dump that is set to fire everyday. Photo courtesy: Basapura residents At the root of this is an open area surrounded by many apartment complexes & major offices which has been converted into a dumping yard. The piles of garbage deposited here are set to fire everyday, creating thick smoke. The fire is usually seen in the wee hours of dawn and again in…

The no-vote collection drive secured 41848 votes against the flyover from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal. Pic: Shree D N In a first, Bengaluru saw a movement for sustainable transport, that resulted in a no-vote campaign. The no-vote collection drive conducted by the team Citizens for Bengaluru secured 41848 votes against the flyover planned on Bellary Road in Bengaluru, from Chalukya Circle to Esteem Mall. The event conducted on Sunday, October 23, 2016, also showcased how the issues related to sustainable development or the lack of it were deep-rooted in political will. Clarifying why there were no 'yes' votes in the…