GENRE: Explainers

After much drama, Bengaluru will finally be going to polls on Saturday August 22nd. And we’re hoping that people come out in droves to vote. Tomorrow will surely be a day of reckoning, not only for those who are standing for the elections, but also for all of Bengaluru’s citizens. People queuing up at a polling booth in Whitefield during the previous BBMP elections. Pic: Subramaniam Vincent Joining the three big players this time, are several contestants from new-age parties too. Many hopefuls who did not get tickets, have decided to contest independently. Here is Citizen Matters’ guide on the big…

There is an element of awe when you witness the bustle at a government office, a constant murmur, people with some paper or file in their hands, some asking strangers for a pen, tiny tea cups making rounds behind desks of different sizes—never a dull moment. In a sub registrar’s office, in addition to the usual buzz, one would most likely feel the thick air of tension of the many deals waiting to be signed and sealed. Only relaxed faces there are likely to be those of couples waiting to get their marriage registered, sometimes with garlands and sweets handy.…

  Like it or not, most of either dread or experience discomfort at the thought of a visit to the police station. But what if you find yourself in a situation where you have to visit one to register that all important document - the FIR? Vigilance Director, and former DG/IGP of Karnataka, M D Singh answers our queries on the same. What is an FIR? The information about a cognizable offence given by a complainant and recorded in a prescribed format by the police is called a First Information Report (FIR). Under Indian law offences are divided into cognizable…

Plays in Bengaluru are a great attraction. With so many talented actors, directors and playwrights calling Bengaluru their home, it is but natural that many folks residing in the city are drawn to theatre. Though plays are performed at many venues in the city, there are a few places that can be counted on to watch the best of drama in Bengaluru. Some of these even have a show on every day! If you are one to watch a play every day, Ranga Shankara is the go-to spot. It has ‘a play a day’ policy, so you should be able…

Elderly people need security. Pic: Abhishek Angad Our nation is facing a crisis in ageing as we attempt to understand and prepare to meet the needs of millions of older adults, current and future. Public and private sectors are engaged in a dialogue to address the needs of a diverse ageing population; to promote their dignity and independence, and expand opportunities for current and future generations of older persons. In India, over 90 million people are above 60 years of age. This is about 7.4% of the total population. The fear is that by 2021 it is estimated to grow…

It was the summer of 2014 when my family had planned a 3-day trip out of Bengaluru. Everyone was almost done with packing when we realised that we needed to find somebody to water the plants. Unfortunately, we could not find anybody who was free to pitch in. It was then that a bulb lit up over my father’s head and it was decided that we would set up a simple drip irrigation system that would water our plants. In less than four hours, the required materials were bought and we took off for our holiday, confident that our plants…

Gurudas Sivadas, a resident of 8th block Koramangala in Bengaluru, received a call from an unknown number (84689 38330), one day. A woman told him that his late father, who had expired in 1997, had left behind a life insurance policy, with him as the nominee. He was asked to claim the amount in the policy, Rs 145,580, on the same day from Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), failing which the money would be transferred to the government account, as the delay in making the claims was too long. When Sivadas said he would seek advice from one of…

“The tattoo is the mark of the soul. It can act as a window we can see in, or it can be a shield to protect us from those who can see past the surface.” - Author unknown It was the year 2006 when an 18-year-old girl decided to get tattooed. While it had been playing on her mind for sometime, she was yet to decide what she wanted and by whom she would get it done. One fine day, walking down Commercial Street in Bengaluru with a friend, she saw a board that said ‘Tattoos’ and in she went. About…

Pic credit: CARA - www.adoptionindia.nic.in  “We were nervous when we were to meet the judge for the first time since we weren't sure what to expect. He welcomed us into his chambers and the first thing he said was, ‘I wanted to thank you for taking the bold step of adopting a child. I am sure you will give this child a better life than he would have got otherwise.’ We always felt that we were also getting a better life and explained that to the judge and he smiled. As much as we needed him, I think the little guy…

Method 1: I found this mobile number on Quikr mfor obtaining Senior Citizen Cards in the J P Nagar area: +91 9945837981. I called the number and after a while, the person called back. He wanted me to keep ready three passport photos, and the xerox of ONE of the following: Aadhar Card Voter Id Driving licence Passport He said that someone would come and collect these, and also bring the Senior Citizen card to my address. Method 2: The alternative is going to the BJP Office in Jayanagar Address:“Shasakara Kacheri”, 18th Main, 35th Cross, 4th ‘T’ Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560…