City: Bengaluru

"Put yourself in your teenager's shoes," the firm voice told an expanse of riveted ears, "but first remember to remove your own". Such were some of the profundities shared by Dr. Ali Khwaja, during his talk on raising teenagers earlier in March at the Parish Hall of Ascension Church in Bangalore's Cooke Town. aaaA Heart for the Youth: Dr. Khwaja elaborates his serious points in a most engaging way - with jokes, anecdotes and voice role-play. Pic: Jatin Prabhu Khwaja is a professional diploma-holder in Behavioural Sciences, and founder of Bangalore's Banjara Academy on interpersonal skills; his credible musings on…

"Not only did I have to point out the corruption, I had to do the complete investigation and support it with proof. It took me two full years to gather all the documents required to expose the corrupt BBMP engineers," says S R Venkataram, 82, a veteran RTI activist.Venkataram realised the power of RTI early on, "I started using the powerful RTI tool soon after it was enacted in 2005 which enables any citizen to fight corruption and ensure good governance in Government offices." Venkatram S R, RTI Activist with his neatly documented set of RTIs. Following up on public…

About 38 years ago, way back in 1974, there was no "no water day" for Bangalore houses. Corporation water was released to houses every day. "Water timings" was also unheard of. Corporation water flowed in the taps through the day, so much so that many houses had taps connected to an overhead water storage tank only as a back-up. And water used to fill up in the overhead tank on its own, because the pressure of the water in the pipes was sufficient to help the water "reach its own level". This was the time when Bangalore city had just…

Sometime around February 9, my maid came up to me with a Kannada newspaper and tentatively enquired whether I was free. She wanted to know whether I could help her fill in an application online for her sister Azira who was seeking a job in a Government Primary School as assistant teacher. Thinking that this should merely be a matter of downloading a form and handing over the printout for her to fill, I readily agreed. She showed me the URL in the newspaper: http://www.schooleducation.kar.nic.in. I typed it out in my browser and the page that opened up looked nice,…

"Don't worry for water, Bangalore," - a fortnight ago a news report ascribed the above assurance from the BWSSB and the Government. Nothing can be further from truth. Bangalore is facing a water calamity. The facts are given below. GAP BETWEEN DEMAND AND SUPPLY WILL ONLY INCREASE At the historical 4% population growth rate of Bangalore over the past fifty years, the population of Bangalore living in the 772 sq. km. of area under the present BBMP will increase from 85 lakhs in 2011 to one crore by 2016. With Hessarghatta gone and Tippegondahanally drying up, the only reliable water…

Many believe that there will be future wars over water. Some facts: Water, the "elixir of life" is a natural resource and must be shared equitably between every living being. Those authorized to handle water are only its trustees and not owners. The United Nations mandates 135 litres of water per person daily, but providing this remains a dream especially for people from marginalized communities. Around 3/4th of the earth is water of which 97 per cent is saline and unfit for human consumption. Two per cent of the remaining water is frozen. Half the rest is in rivers, streams,…

Are you looking to implement water conservation measures in your apartment or home and wondering where to start? Not too sure how to go about it and want to understand if there are real benefits? Or how practical it is and how long it might take? This World Water Day, get all your questions answered with "Savings on the House."On Saturday, 23-March, visit over 15 pioneering water conservation initiatives across apartments and homes in Bangalore to learn how they did it - rain water harvesting, sewage treatment, water metering, groundwater recharge and other successful water conservation practices.Following are the list…

What is Aadhaar?Aadhaar is a 12-digit individual identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India.Where can I use it?This number will serve as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.Is UID registration and getting Aadhaar card compulsory?No, Aadhaar registration is voluntary, not compulsory. Enrollment is free.Is this like a social security? In a sense, yes; Aadhaar enables identification and may be assigned to every 'resident' of India; it is NOT a proof of citizenship and consequently, not only for Indians. What information is visible on the card?The UID card…

As another International World Water Day is observed on 22nd March, here is a list of what architects-builders can do to make their apartments and layouts reduce their water footprint. When we talk of water supply, water shortage, water conservation and everything else WATER in Bangalore homes, there are generally three subjects of focus: The water consumer - you, me and everything else that needs water The water supplier - Government, BWSSB, water tankers, bottled water agents The water source - Cauvery river, lakes, wells, borewells, rain As end consumers, much of the onus on saving water is on individuals.…

Note: This website will soon be migrated to a new system.  If you face any issues, do mail us. You can also reach us through Twitter or Facebook! Bengaluru This Week Get our free weekly newsletter. Name Email Bengaluru This Week archives. The state assembly elections will be held on May 5th, Sunday, between 8 am and 5 pm. Votes will be counted on May 8th, and the entire process will be completed by May 11th. Election Commission of India (ECI) announced this yesterday in a press release. By April 17th, candidates have to file nominations.Here are some main pointers from…