Volume 18 Issue 18

The Observer

IIJNM publication An

RBI’s directive to deactivate magnetic strip-based cards leave bank customers in the lurch | P4

Vol 18, Issue 18

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Water scarcity in Bengaluru affects people; efforts to conserve not adequate, say experts | P3

Why link Aadhaar card with your DL, ask Bengalureans Say govt move will make data more vulnerable Shrabona Ghosh

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engalureans are against the government’s decision to link Aadhaar with driving licences.

Agnee Karan, a software engineer, told The Observer: “Our personal data is already under threat. Now linking Aadhaar cards with driving licences (DLs) will make it more vulnerable.

The government should rethink its decision.”

Union minister for law, electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad had recently announced the government’s decision. Delivering the presidential address at the 106th Indian Science Congress at Lovely Professional University, he said a law would be enacted to make the Aadhaar-DL linking mandatory.

The minister said sometimes people who cause accidents flee the scene and get a duplicate licence. This helps them to go scot-free. With Aadhaar linkage, they can change their names but cannot change biometric parameters like iris and fingerprints.

However, citizens do not find any merit in what Prasad said.

Maya Srinivasan, a resi-

dent of JP Nagar, said: “A driving licence already has a number which provides all details. If a person provides a fake licence, a search for the DL number will expose him/ her. There is no ground to linking Aadhaar with DL.” Krishnendu Paul, an IT professional, agrees. “If my biometrics details are linked with DL, I might be vulnerable to identity theft. If my biometrics details are leaked, with it my DL details will also be leaked. The information can be easily exploited without my knowledge.”

Vishwanath Iyer, a resident of Yeshwantpur, said: “Since the issue of breach of privacy worries citizens, the government should conduct a survey to know their point of view before implementing such a move.”

The government has no guidelines to inform citizens how the linking will be done.

Another Bengalurean, Puneet Agarwal , said: “It’s very con-

fusing. Sometimes we are asked to link details. Then, after completing the process, we come to know that it is no more mandatory. So instead of linking Driving License with Aadhaar, they can come up with a single ID proof inclusive of all the details.”

Rahul Sribalaji Dhamodharan, a biotechnologist, said: “The procedure is ambiguous. The government ‘s perspective is not clear. There are no proper regulations. If this is implemented, it will create a traffic chaos.”

Some view the move as the government’s inability to deal with duplicate licences.

Jayadeep Mishra, a college student, said: “It’s the government’s inefficiency if they fail to address the issue of duplicate licences. To curb this problem, they cannot drag citizens into hassles.”

Businessman Saikat Ghosh said: “Most people have transferable jobs. The Aadhaar card has a person’s permanent ad-

dress, whereas sometimes the driving licence has a temporary address. It will be a hassle for those who have to change their address details to link the two.”

However, Girish M has a different point of view. “Since I have linked most of my documents with Aadhaar, adding one more to the kitty is not a problem,” He said.

A top official the transport department who did not wished to be named informed the Observer: “As far as I know, there is a case pending in the apex court over breach of data through Aadhaar cards, so it’s evident that citizens will be against the move. We have yet not received any information from the government of Karnataka about mandatorily linking Aadhaar with driving licences.”

A few months after the Supreme Court order on Aadhar card, the government has managed to pass Aadhaar Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha. The Bill, was passed on January 4.

Earlier in February 2018, the government planned to make linking of driving licences with Aadhaar number mandatory.

According to them that would help tackle the issue of fake licences.

The Centre then informed the Supreme Court that a software program to cover all states was being developed. shrabona.g@iijnm.org

News Briefs lNational Religious leader Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati on Wednesday said a ceremony to mark the start of construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya will take place on February 21 even if those gathered there have to face bullets. lInternational Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah of central Pahang state was crowned on Thursday as Malaysia’s 16th king under a unique rotating monarchy system. The crowning comes nearly a month after the sudden abdication of Sultan Muhammad V. lBusiness ICICI Bank has decided to terminate the contract of former managing director and CEO, Chanda Kochhar after the B.N. Srikrishna Committee found that she violated the bank’s code of conduct. lLocal The Karnataka Cabinet on Wednesday decided to release Rs 8,015 crore for infrastructure development in Bengaluru.

The decision came three days after Congress MLA and BDA chairman S.T. Somashekar publicly criticised the coalition government headed by CM, saying no development had taken place in Bengaluru city during the past seven months. lSports New Zealand beat India by eight wickets in the fourth ODI to register a consolation win in the five-match series in Hamilton on Thursday.

NZ keeper Kane Williamson says he did not expect the ball to swing this much.

Pfizer shuts 2 manufacturing units, staff rush to to find jobs Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel

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here is a rush of job-seekers in Bengaluru’s pharmaceutical companies after Pfizer announced the shutdown of two of its manufacturing plants. More than 1,000 persons have approached pharma companies in Bengaluru for jobs ahead of the two Pfizer plants in Chennai and Aurangabad closing.

“There is a heavy rush at all pharma companies in Bengaluru. We have decided to conduct walk-in interviews and a couple of other drives as we have more than 500 vacancies in the quality

control and R&D departments.

We plan to recruit more people in the upcoming interviews,” Silvaster Antony, a recruitment partner for Strides Pharma Science Ltd, informed The Observer.

Bengaluru has pharma companies like Strides Pharma Science, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Biocon, Syngene International, Baxter International, Stabicon Life Sciences Pvt, Micro Labs and Mylan. These are targeted by pharma, microbiology and biotech graduates. Competing with them now are employees who have been laid off by Pfizer.

“There is an increase in the

More than 1,000 persons have approached pharma companies in Bengaluru for jobs |Credit: Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel rush as more than 1000 people have been fired due to the clo-

sure. We have decided to recruit according to our requirements

and vacancies,” said Shailesh Gaurav, a recruitment partner in a leading CRO (Contract Research Organization) company.

Pfizer announced it would cease manufacturing at its Irungattukottai (IKKT) and Aurangabad sites on January 8 because of long-term losses.

The IKKT site suspended manufacturing due to consecutive observations from the US Food and Drug Administration since March 2018. Previously, the company received a warning in 2013 for violations in manufacturing practices.

Continued in Page 3

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Farmers use toxic Varthur lake water for cultivation

The Observer Thursday, January 31, 2019

Most women unaware about link between PCOS, cancer

Pranay Prakash

Oisika Dev

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omen in Bengaluru are unaware that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of uterine cancer.

Also known as endometrial cancer, it arises in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, a pearshaped pelvic organ. It can often be detected early as it causes abnormal vaginal bleeding.

“Unopposed estrogen hormone is the cause of rise in endometrial cancer among women having PCOS. Most women are unaware about this problem because they tend to overlook the initial symptoms of the disease such as the hormonal imbalance and vaginal bleeding. They realize its seriousness very late,” Dr B.S. Sheela, who has treated PCOS patients, for 50 years, informed The Observer.

A total of 19 studies done by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences have identified the association between PCOS and cancers of the breasts, uterus and ovaries.

Infertility and recurrent miscarriages in younger women can also lead to endometrial cancer.

PCOS in older women can be severe at times and might lead to uterine cancer or cardiac disease.

Hormonal imbalance in the body, like Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism can also lead to PCOS. Treating such patients also becomes a challenge, doctors say.

“Unopposed hormones lead to endometrial cancer…. Most women are not aware of the severity of the disease. When we try to make them aware at an initial stage, they are not bothered about it. When they fail to maintain a proper lifestyle, the risk of cancer and cardiac diseases increases,” Dr S.B. Basu, a gynecologist, said.

“I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 14 years old. The doctor had asked me to reduce my obesity and stress level, and to exercise regularly, or it might lead to a severe disease in future.

However, I never took my doctor’s warnings seriously because I never realized that PCOS can also lead to cancer or any other serious disease in future,” says Sashikala Iyer, an 18-year-old college student from Mount Carmel College, said.

Priyanaka Balawiswanathan,

An analysis of the data showed that women with PCOS are three times more likely to develop cancer of the endometrium than other women.

“Obesity is one of the main problem of PCOS. Hormonal imbalance leads to infertility.

Later, this problem might also cause endometrial cancer. The problems, if not handled early, might lead to severity later,” said a doctor at Apollo Hospitals who did not want to be named.

A recent study by AIIMS shows only 36.5% of Indian women are aware that PCOS can raise the risk of ovarian cancer. About 63% do not even know that PCOS causes infertility.

“I have PCOS for the past few years. My doctor has suggested I exercise and lead a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet. I wasn’t aware that PCOS can raise the risk of endometrial cancer,” 20year-old Swathi, who works at Wipro, said.

a post-graduate student, said she was never warned by her doctors. “I have been suffering from PCOS for the past four years. However, my doctor had never informed me that PCOS can lead to uterine cancer or any other severe disease.”

PCOS is common in women in the 13-21 age group. In India, every one in four girls suffers from it.

Its symptoms are an irregular menstrual cycle, a receding hairline or thinning hair. The disease also causes oily skin, acne and unnatural growth of hair on face, chest, back or buttocks.

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and endometrial cancer can only be prevented by maintaining a proper lifestyle, avoiding junk food, taking proper medicines and leading a stress-free life,” Dr Kanyakumari, head of gynecology at Raja Rajeshwari Hospital, said. oisika.d@iijnm.org

The crops can harm people who consume them know that crops grown using water from the Varthur lake are harmful, but I have no other option of livelihood.” This is the refrain of Muni Krishnappa and numerous other farmers who cultivate land around the lake.

Varthur lake caught fire on January 20 due to high levels of toxic levels chemicals in it. The farmers use water from the lake for cultivation.

A report presented by Aboud S Jumbe, N Nandani, Suchitra Tandon and Sunitha N at the 12th World Lake Conference in 2007 said Varthur lake had high levels of nitrates due to an “excessive use of agricultural fertilisers, especially for horticultural activities”.

The report said samples collected from various points of the agricultural area on the lank bank had excessive amounts of nitrates. The permissible level is 50mg/L. The report cited a study conducted by the department of environmental sciences, Bengaluru University, to say that more than two-thirds of samples collected from Hebbal, Koramangala and Vrishabhavathi Valley systems on a monthly basis, had pH values of above 8, while the total hardness was above the permissible limit of 300mg/L. The same study found significant levels of lead, nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese and zinc in lakes in Bengaluru.

Dr Kishore Kumar, a general physician with more than 20 years of experience, pointed out that consumption of vegetables and other crops grown in such soil can harm people’s health.

“Drinking water contaminated with chemicals, specially nitrates, can cause methemoglobinemia. This condition is characterized by conversion of normal hemoglobin into methemoglobin, which leads to decreased ability of blood to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. Lack of enough blood in the body leads to cyanosis. This

A rebel departs

George Fernandes, who passed away at the age of 88, was one of the most remarkable and committed Indian politicians. He was a firebrand trade union leader who could assemble workers at will. He was seen as an emblem of resistance against the Emergency. As industry minister in the 1970s, he drove Coca-Cola

Docs: To prevent it, control weight, cut stress level

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Milk produced by the cows grazing on the Varthur lake bed is supplied to the areas around the lake. (Below) A satellite grab of area around Varthur lake that is being cultivated | Credit: Pranay Prakash condition is known as blue baby syndrome. It is often fatal.”

Nitrate (NO3) has been shown to be toxic to human babies. This is because bacteria can live in their digestive tracts that convert nitrate to nitrite (NO2).

Nitrite reacts with haemoglobin to form methaemoglobin, a form of haemoglobin which does not carry oxygen. As a result, the babies suffocate as they receive insufficient oxygen.

The farm produce is not only cultivated for human consumption but also for farm animals which give milk. The farmers believe that their corps benefit from the lake water because of chemicals in it.

Srinivas Reddy, a farmer The Observer spoke to, said: “I grow corn for cows. We get good crops because of the fertilizers present in the lake water.”

Reddy has been farming on a leased land for nine years. His neighbour Lakshmi Kant also grows corn for animal consumption on a one-acre parcel of land and rice in half an acre. The lake water has become a bane for his rice crop. “The paddy grows to a good height, but the harvest is not good. It doesn’t bear any substantial amount for me to sell in the market.”

While farmers have faced challenges in earning a livelihood

Citizen’s Voice

out of the country. Who can forget the Kargil war when Fernandes was defence minister?

He will always be remembered for his struggle for the rights of the poor and the downtrodden.

Sounak Das, IIJNM

Care for our lakes

The BBMP needs to work with equal dedication to clean up all

by farming on the bank of the lake, the government has done too little and too late to help the farmers or the lake, lake activist Jagadish Reddy said.

Reddy has lived on the banks of the lake for decades. He has seen the surroundings of the lake change from a thriving ecosystem – 15 years ago, it used to host migratory birds – to a toxic mix of flowing industrial waste, untreated sewage and fertilisers.

“The kings built these lakes to sustain civilisation around here.

Unfortunately, the same lakes are killing civilisation around here,” he said.

“Due to the contamination here, the farmers cannot grow healthy food now. Whatever they grow, they are supplying back to society. Whatever we are eating is contaminated with heavy metal and toxins.”

Reddy, who collaborates with various government agencies in preserving and restoring lakes, said the government, after years of inaction, has finally woken up and is considering a proposal to restore the lake using money from a private company’s CSR funds. The company has proposed to partner with the government to help restore the lake to its pristine condition. pranay.p@iijnm.org

the lakes in the city and ensure there are no more fires like those in Varthur and Bellandur lakes. Frequest fires in the lakes around the city just go on to show officials apathy towards keeping the lakes clean. The respective corporators need to be proactive about citizens’ and the lakes’ health.

Oisika Dev, IIJNM

The Observer Thursday, January 31, 2019

CITY

Bengaluru stares at a waterless tomorrow Conservation efforts just not enough

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A report released by the government last year states that Bengaluru will run out of ground water by 2020 | Credit: Soma Pal We have started depending on private water suppliers.”

Aditi Verma of Indiranagar who studied water conservation said: “The industrial boom in Bengaluru can be blamed for the water depletion. Many industries and factories use ample amounts of clean water. They then release untreated, toxic waste water into the lakes which act as a water source for many localities.”

Vinod Dev, who studied water conservation with Verma, agreed. “Authorities don’t properly manage the water resources available. They are simply neglected. Bellandur lake is the best example of this. Their job is not only to supply water but also to increase the water table and to treat lake water.”

An article by BBC in March 2018 named Bengaluru in a list of 11 cities that will soon run out of water. The article

Lower salary offered to Pfizer staff in Bengaluru pharma companies Continues from Page 1

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he company has started decommissioning equipment before permanently shutting down on February 8.

Most dismissed employees are staring at a gloomy future as getting jobs in their field is difficult.

“The rush in not only in Bengaluru but also in Hyderabad. I have applied with a lot of companies in Bengaluru. Most of my colleagues have also applied through their references. I don’t think it is possible to get into any company without a reference as the competition is high,” Amith Nagarajappa, assistant manager, market complaints, Pfizer, said.

Fazular Rahman, another Pfizer employee, said: “I have applied to more than six companies in Bengaluru and two in Chennai. I also attended many walk-in interviews conducted at the IKKT plant. I am confident of getting placed.”

The laid-off Pfizer employees are unhappy over the salary packages of-

Behavioral therapy better for autism patients: Experts Sahana S

Yohanjali R engaluru will witness depletion of water by 2021 as the present methods to conserve it have not been effective.

An official at the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) who did not want to be named told The Observer: “We do have a shortage of water but not a crisis. We are doing our best to provide more water sources.

“We are also taking measures to save water like treating waste water and reusing it and saving rain water (rainwater harvesting).”

“Water from the Cauvery is sufficient for Bengaluru. The blame lies not only with us; people should also use water efficiently.”

Sujita S, a resident of Yeshwantpur, said: “Groundwater has totally been utilized . It has dried up, and it’s just January.

It will get worse during summer.

The water crisis is a serious issue and needs our attention.”

Aravind M, a resident of Rajajinagar said: “Even though borewell water is mixed with Cauvery water and supplied to us on alternate days, it is not sufficient. I live in an apartment where (water from) one tank is used by many. Most water is used up by families, leaving individuals like me in despair.

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fered by leading companies.

“I heard my colleague complaining about the salary package offered by a Bengaluru company. It is 20% less for Pfizer employees. They say the company had no production since last year. As there is no choice, we would work in any company,” says another Pfizer ex-employee who didn’t wish to be named.

Recruiters say that the rush will soon decline because many companies have vacancies.

They suggest Pfizer shift its employees to its sites at Goa, Visakhapatnam and Ahmedabad.

“There are vacancies but not everybody will be eligible. We would do a lot of filtering to recruit a right candidate suitable for our requirements. Though Pfizer employees would have experience compared to freshers, we cannot ignore the recruitment rules,” a recruiter said.

According to the job site Naukri.com, there are more than 3,500 Pharma jobs available in Bengaluru. abbinaya.s@iijnm.org

quoted BWSSB chairman Tushar Girinath as saying that the board supplies 100 litres of water to each individual per day. The article said people use only 20 litres for cooking, bathing and drinking; they use the rest for flushing toilets, washing cars and cleaning floors.

A government report released last year stated that Bengaluru will run out of groundwater by 2020.

Senovia Rodriguez from Whitefield said: “I live in an IT area and the water supplied to our hostel is from borewells.

The water is usually untreated and contains chemicals like sulphate and nitrate that affect our health. They can cause heart problem and other diseases. Even though we get water, we can’t use it. We struggle to get purified drinking water.” yohanjali.r@iijnm.org

ost autism specialists in Bengaluru prefer behavioral therapy to digital therapy.

Behavioral therapy is widely used to treat mental disorders; they help in changing self- destructive or unhealthy behavior.

Recently Akili Interactive, digital medicine company, came up with a digital therapy known as Project EVO to reduce symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children. But autism specialists say such projects are not beneficial in India as they fail to reduce symptoms in children.

Digital therapy is an Internet-based health technology that stimulates changes in patient’s behaviour.

“Digital therapy such as Project EVO was tried on a group of children. Although it proved beneficial for ASD, it will not provide motor benefits. These therapies still have a long journey to cover in India,” Vanitha M, head of the Bubbles Centre for Autism, informed The Observer.

Even though digital therapy is a powerful tool for genetic disorders like ASD, Attention deficit /hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia, specialists think it causes more harm to the patients.

Most specialists say behavioral therapy is more productive than Internet-based therapy. Chandrakumar, a senior consultant in Rehab Bangalore, a facility that provides occupational therapy to children with autism and

ASD can be treated by behavioral therapy | Courtesy: Pexels cerebral palsy, argues: “Internet-based techniques like video and mobile games do not benefit children with autism. A child diagnosed with autism has a problem with reciprocal communication, so when he is engaged in games, he will not be aware of his surroundings. It would hamper his development. I would not encourage video games for autistic children; instead, I would prefer to apply behavioral therapy such as applied behavior analysis and occupational therapy.”

On the other hand, 50 % of children with ASD also suffer from ADHD symptoms. As medications are less effective with children of both the disorders, researchers are exploring alternative methods.

Rubi Singh, vice-president of the Autism Society in India, said: “There are 40,000 people in Karnataka who are affected with autism. One cannot follow same therapy all the time. Video games designed for autism children will improve their cognitive skills.” sahana.s@iijnm.org

IndianOil’s third-quarter net profit plunges 91% per barrel in corresponding period of FY 17-18.”

Following a surge in he IndianOil Corporacrude oil rates in Octotion (IOC) has reportber 2018, the governed a 91% drop in its ment forced oil companet profit within a year after nies to reduce the prices becoming India’s most profitto support consumers. able public sector company.

A drop in the averThe company’s net profit for age gross margin is anthe December 2018 quarter other major cause for dropped to Rs 717 crore from the fall in IOC’s profit.

Rs 7,883 crore in the cor“A cut in prices durresponding period in 2017. ing October hurt the net A company report said profit margin, and the the net profit for the nine fall of GRM from $5.83 months ended December 31, IndianOil Corporation’s net profit for Q3 per barrel to $8.28 be2018, was Rs 10,795 crore dropped to Rs 717 crore |Courtesy: IOC cause of the fall in globas compared to Rs 16,128 crore during the correspond- nine months of 2018-19. Our re- al oil prices, are the two main ing period of the previous year. fining throughput for 9M 18-19 reasons,” a GM, retail sales, who The reasons: Lower refining was 54.465 million tonnes and didn’t wish to be named said.

The net profit has dropped demargins and exchange losses. the throughput of the CorporaIOC chairman Sanjiv Singh tion’s countrywide pipelines net- spite a 24% rise in the company’s said in a press release that in- work was 67.300 million tonnes revenue (from Rs 3.69 lakh crore ventory losses in the current during the same period. The to Rs 4.61 lakh crore this year).

The IOC share dropped 2.37% quarter had resulted into lower gross refining margin (GRM) profits. “IndianOil sold 67.256 during the period April-De- to close at Rs 134.10 on the million tonnes of products, in- cember 2018 was US$ 5.83 per NSE at 3.30pm on Wednesday. cluding exports, during the first barrel as compared to US$ 8.28 abbinaya.s@iijnm.org Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel

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The Observer Thursday, January 31, 2019

RBI’s card directive leaves bank customers in the lurch

Many customers have still not got chip cards Pranay Prakash

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umerous credit and debit card holders are at their wits’ end after the deadline to replace all existing magnetic strip-based debit and credit cards with PIN-based Europay-MasterCard-VISA (EMV) chip cards expired on December 31, 2018.

The RBI had asked banks to deactivate all magnetic strip-based cards by December 31. Many card users are left with no active cards after the banks failed to provide them replacements.

Kathriguppe resident Gokul Yadav informed The Observer that his mother’s ATMcum-debit card, issued by a nationalized bank, has been deactivated. “My mother’s card has not been replaced. We are facing problems with PoS and ATM transactions.”

But some customers said they have received replacement cards, which store payment data on a chip located on the top-left

With banks failing to meet the deadline to issue their customers PINbased cards has led to embarassing situations | Credit: Soma Pal side of the card.

Nishant NL, a resident of Vijayanagar, is not so lucky.

“I will soon go to my bank to get my card replaced. I do not have a functioning card with me,” he said.

The RBI turned down a request by banks to extend the deadline to issue replacement cards.

Bhavendra Kumar, a deputy general manager at the Canara Bank headquarters, said: “In our bank, more than 80% cards have been replaced. We are sending SMSs and emails (to our customers). We have

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vine by Jennifer Major @ Grapevine , South Bengaluru , 1st February 8 pm l FML – Fries , Milkshake and Laughs by the Orange Octopus Records@ East Bengaluru, 1st Feb 8 : 30 pm l Mayavadi’s Nature Camping by Poobala Krishnan @ Nandi Hills , bengaluru,3rd Feb, 11 am l Prevention from Chronic Diseases - With Dr. B.S.Rao by Sap fresh @Indiaranagar , Bangalore, 3rd Feb , 5 pm l Pro Krida Bangalore Basketball League by Sportzify@ Active Arena, East Bengaluru, 23rd Feb 9 am l Chikmagalur Trek, Camping & Sightseeing by Gutsytribe @ Member Secy, Central Silk Board, 15th Feb 10pm l Coffee Painting Workshop

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published ads in papers too.

Whoever requires a card knows.

I think everyone is aware of the change.”

People who live in rural areas have also borne the brunt of the RBI order.

Karthik NR, a resident of Nadavathi village in Hosakote taluk, said: “They sent me a card, but I did not receive it as I live in a rural area. It went back and I had to go to the bank.

There, they asked me to fill out a new form. I got the card after 20 days and they deducted Rs 360 from my account for the

new card.”

Disputing Canara Bank’s claim that it had sent notifications to its customers, Karthik said that they only received notifications about their cards being deactivated. “They didn’t send any message about ours cards being replaced.”

A private-bank manager who requested he not be identified admitted: “Maybe about 40% cards have been replaced in our bank. In rural places, most of the cards have not yet been replaced.”

The new cards generate dynamic data everytime they are used, unlike old cards which used to store authentication data in their magnetic strips, rendering these vulnerable to fraud at Point of Sale (PoS) and ATM terminals.

The 2015 RBI directive has seen banks struggle to replace existing cards. Customers have encountered problems like lack of application forms for new cards. Some say there was no intimation regarding the imminent replacement of cards.

Some customers have complained they can’t complete transactions at fuel stations and ATM kiosks. pranay.p@iijnm.org

Bengaluru company Boxnbiz aims to attain global stature

Ileena Dutta

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engaluru-based freight forwarder Boxnbiz has been selected to undergo a three-month training programme in Singapore. It is one of 20 shipping/logistics start-ups in Asia to be selected for the programme, where companies will be taught strategies to infiltrate foreign markets.

“One basic strategy required to scale up is to partner with freight agents, custom brokers and carriers to bring (them) on the same platform… to create a massive network effect. We are planning to push sales by executing orders with preferred partners to make everyone’s life simpler,” Biplob Barik, founder and CEO of Boxnbiz, informed The Observer.

“Our sales revenue has crossed Rs 2 crore, and we are encouraging more young entrepreneurs to come up with shipping startups. This programme will help us seek opportunities to get more investors to scale up their companies,” Barik added.

The freight forwarding business is expanding the world over.

Start-ups in the field are posing competition to established players.“ Connecting with global corporate partners for pilot projects, business partnerships or collaborations will be an added advantage for Boxnbiz,” said Kaushik S, a business develop-

City Speaks l Rajdeep Sardesai @sardesairajdeep BJP poised for big and crucial win in Jind Haryana: @mlkhattar could now push for simultaneous polls in May; in Rajasthan, Cong wins Ramgarh.. gets boost in a state BJP swept in LS 2014... picture abhi baaki hai! #JindBypoll l Dr. G Parameshwara @Dr Parameshwara JDS members Lalita Ravish, who was elected Mayor of Tumkur, and Congratulations to Congress member Rupasree as Deputy Mayor.Believe me that you are working hard for the development of Tumkur l BJP Karnataka@BJP4Karnataka Hey @RahulGandhi how about you Congratulating #Chowkidar for catching hold of corrupt dealers from your Govt.We didn’t see you tweet on #DisruptionOfCorruption & Modi govt bringing back some of your pets who went hiding.

Aren’t you happy seeing them ? l HM Jyothish @hmjyothish14 Inspire, ethics,supports, decisions, vision, Team, leadership, management and responsibility....#oneamo ungusforus @ArshadRizwan Ji For #NammaBengaluru #2019OpinionPoll l An Eternal Optimist @ aanand77 This is the ordeal #Bengaluru commuters brave thru’ everyday. It takes ~40min to cover ~4km btw Marathahalli & Bellandur!!And worse,no one seems to be bothered about the plight of IT professionals.Hon’ble @CMofKarnataka Sir, sudn’t this problem be dealt with highest priority? l Rasheed Kappan@kappansky If Yeddy manages to rope in Shanthinagar MLA, will that be.Operation Kamala Harris? #Karnataka #Bengaluru

Technology has enabled the acquisition of shipping requirements easily. Boxnbiz wants to capitalize on this global change | Courtesy: Pexels ment manager at the company.

Technology has made it possible to acquire shipping requirements, and that is changing connections globally.

“We are SAAS (software as a service)-enabled. Our product automates repeated work and structures data to provide better and useful results. Apart from automation, our tool can be integrated with any kind of business operations software and deliver best results for our users,” Ricky Goyal, co-founder of the company, said.

In India, e-commerce logistics start-ups, like Flipkart, Snapdeal and Locus, have gained ground in recent years. ileena.d@iijnm.org

l dpka101 @dpka102 #Bengaluru’s 75-year-old Selvamma goes high-tech using a #solar-powered fan to grill corn on the roadside near Vidhana Soudha. The #equipment can run #LED light and power regulated fan.

WEATHER

Mainly clear sky later Minimum Temperature: 16 degree Celsius Maximum Temperature: 29 degree Celsius Relative humidity: 28%

OBSERVER TEAM Editor- Ileena Dutta Page Layout: R Yohanjali, Pranay Prakash, Oisika Dev, Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel Desk: Oisika Dev, Ileena Dutta, Sahana S, Shrabona Ghosh Reporters: Pranay Prakash, Sahana S, Shrabona Ghosh, Oisika Dev,Ileena Dutta, Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel, R Yohanjali