Karnataka

Ineffective plastic ban, flawed collection and handling of e-waste, unauthorised slaughter houses — these and more findings from the CAG’s recent performance audit of solid waste management by urban local bodies in Karnataka paint a sad picture.

Out of 27 projects proposed by these twin cities in North Karnataka under the Smart Cities Mission, only one has gotten off to a start. An interview with the Special Officer of the SPV on the challenges and overall progress so far.

At the Siddharoodha Matha in Hubli, the community kitchen cooks for and feeds almost 6000 people everyday. Yet, hardly any waste from it reaches the landfills.

No, the death penalty is not the answer. But an efficient and speedy system of justice — from reporting to conviction — is likely to be. Till we reach the point, we can only grieve and rage and feel guilty.

Notes and photos from continuing bird counts conducted in various parts of Karnataka, where a number of rare species have already been documented.

With all those comparisons between Cape Town and Bengaluru, water is perhaps predictably on top. But what are the other issues that urban voters are talking about? Recent ADR-Daksh survey has some pointers.

What is wrong in a state carving out its identity through a flag of its own? States with strong identities have historically performed well. Besides, in India with all its diversity, a federal structure alone can bring the best governance.

The dormant but very effective programme, jointly initiated in 2013 by the Karnataka Forest Department, could get a fresh life, thanks to the push of a passionate volunteer brigade.

As the Mangalore traffic police force struggles to manage the explosive rise in motor vehicles, traffic wardens and civic volunteers step in to make their work easier and the city commute smoother.

Across India, a number of state as well as non-governmental initiatives are providing low-cost or free meals to the unemployed, the daily wage earner, migrant labour and other sections of the urban poor. How do these function and do they really help the cause?