The Observer, Issue 32

Trans women face social, familial discrimination; lack of awareness worsens the problem | P 2

News Briefs

Brides subjected to pregnancy tests

A controversy broke out over alleged pregnancy tests in tribal-dominated Dindori district as part of eligibility for “Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah”, a mass marriage scheme where the MP government provides a Rs 51,000 grant to each bride. As per reports, the tests were conducted before the beneficiaries were to take part in the mass marriage on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya. Four women were removed after they were found to be pregnant. The Tribune

SC to hear plea seeking probe into Atiq killing

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear on April 28 a petition seeking an independent inquiry the killing of gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in UP’s Prayagraj. Atiq Ahmad (60) and Ashraf were shot dead at a pointblank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction on April 15 night while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college for a checkup. PTI

Wrestlers resume their #MeToo protest In Delhi

India’s top wrestlers have resumed their protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accusing him of sexually harassing several athletes. The wrestlers, who called off their protest earlier this year after assurances that a committee would probe the allegations, said they will remain at the protest site till police file an FIR in the case. The wrestlers said people who hold different political ideologies are welcome to participate in the protest. NDTV

Raids conducted at realty firm close to DMK

The income tax department on Monday morning began raids at multiple branches of the real estate firm G Square offices in Tiruchirapalli, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur and other locations with police being deployed outside. The company is known to have close ties with the ruling party.- Indian Express

Supreme Court ruling on overtime pay shows differences among government staff | P 3

not

Rainwater falls from road above; ‘we clear the trash ourselves’

By Yukta Mudgal

Shopkeepers and business owners near the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway are incurring losses because of a stinking problem. Few customers visit the shops, they say, because the drainage system demolished ahead of its construction has not been rebuilt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the expressway on March 12, 2023, in Mandya amid much fanfare.

Muniraj, who runs a scrap shop in Kumbalgodu, informed The Observer: “Mori ka bhi problem hai (there is also a problem of drainage).” Two years ago, when the highway was constructed, the authorities broke the drainage and till date they have not reconstructed it.

The Observer noticed that lack of drainage has led to the accumulation of garbage and dirty water in front of almost every shop in the highway.

The waste from an eatery flows towards Muniraj’s shop. “Many times we clean the waste ourselves,” he said.

Many shopkeepers have placed makeshift plastic and wooden bridges for customers to walk in and enter. When it rains, water falls down from the expressway, causing chaos.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), responsible for the construction of the expressway, awarded the contract to Dilip Buildcon.

The Observer contacted an official from the NHAI’s project implementation unit at Ramanagara. He said he could share any information with the media and suggested The Observer visit the

in;

NHAI to install CCTVs to check overspeeding on the expressway

By Hamsaveni N

The National Highways Authority (NHAI) plans to install CCTV cameras and Hamsini an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) on the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway.

Ramanagara office of NHAI.

The Observer tried to contact Dilip Buildcon, but they did not answer the calls.

The Observer noticed a dilapidated building named ‘Keelka Hardware’. Chandru, an autorickshaw driver, said the building was half-demolished by the road authorities and the shop owner had to move to a place where he is not earning much like he used.

Many shopkeepers have complained about this to the Kumbalgodu panchayat, but the panchayat said it’s not their job to construct a drainage.

Dinesh Seervi, who sells electrical items, said no customers visit his shop now. Only those with whom he has good contacts buy products in bulk from him. During the construction of the expressway, his shop was cut into half. The compensation was given to the shop owner, not to Dinesh, who pays a monthly

rent of Rs 15,000.

“I once spent Rs 25,000 from my pocket to fix a pipe and to eliminate dirt, but that did not work,” he said. “Now everybody travels on the highway, so they don’t see my shop and buy anything. Panchayat people say road authorities will fix the drainage, road authorities say it’s the panchayat’s job; but nobody helps. Because of this drainage problem, people think twice about coming to my shop. The owner of the shop also does not listen,” Seervi added.

Heeralal Prajapati, who runs a 20-year-old hardware shop, said the shop’s height has increased. It gets very problematic to carry stuff. The problem is, because of the highway, the road which was single has turned into two. People from the other side of the road ignore his shop. “Earlier my business was far better than what it is now.”

Continued on Page 3

According to a Hans India report, more than 84 people lost their lives due to the increase in the number of accidents within six months of the start of traffic on the 10-lane expressway. Vehicles were allowed on the new highway in September 2022. Since then, more than 335 accident cases have been reported. An official at NHAI said that as of now they don’t have any equipment to capture the speed of vehicles.

“We are currently planning to install ATMS and install CCTV cameras every 500 metres to one km under the ATMS. It may take some time, but this will help us to scrutinize vehicles travelling on the expressway.

Continued on Page 3

Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway has brought problems for us, complain shopkeepers Drainage

fixed, dirt flows

reduced traffic causes loss of biz

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), responsible for the construction of the expressway, awarded the contract to Dilip Buildcon. | Credit: Yukta Mudgal

Commuters say failure of surveillance by the police is the reason behind the accidents | Credit: Praharshitha T

Discrimination causes mental trouble to transgender people

That they are not aware worsens their problems

By Vindhya Pabolu

Transwomenin Karnataka are found to have depressive symptoms from sex work, gender transition, and family rejection.

Because of a lack of awareness, transwomen report experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms for a long time. But the real problem comes when they want treatment. Most transgender individuals are single parents from the middle class. They say they can’t afford all private hospital expenses and choose government hospitals but face discrimination and are denied treatment.

Sana Suman, a transwoman who once worked in a brothel, shared: “After coming out, our family shoved us away. Society is not ready to accept us. Walking out of the house not knowing where to start and whom to trust and ending up in a brothel…, that’s where our depression started. As we were barely making money back then, we couldn’t afford treatment either. At the same time, hospitals gave us different looks. Which made it even harder for us to get treatment. Over the next few years, it continued and I came out by myself.”

Priya, a 42-year-old transwom-

an, shared: “I was around 13 when I came out to my parents and they left me. I was all alone at that young age and there was no one ready to help us. At that age, I don’t know what I was struggling with, but I often experienced anxiety and panic attacks and the same led to depression. For a long time, I was alone, so I didn’t even consider getting treated. Later, I got habituatedto it. I don’t even know what my condition is now”

According to a research paper published in the International Journal of Transgender Health, in India, in India, transgender women encounter particular pressures due to their experiences at a young age. These include gender-transition experiences and involvement in the sex indus-

try. Data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study say that transgender women from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are facing these problems. The study shows that 70 per cent of the sample reported sex work; over 82 per cent endorsed gender-transition services. Additionally, being in sex work, undergoing transition, leaving home because of sexual orientation, and being married were significantly associated with these depressive symptoms. Explaining the situation, Rajee Samjith, a psychotherapist, said: “Stress and anxiety, if not treated early, can lead to depression. It can be cured initially with sessions, but if the person suffers… for a long time, they should consult a doctor. I know it is difficult

Citizen’s Voice

Sustainable practice must to reduce climate change

after suffering all that trauma. However, they have to come out and accept what’s happened to them and get treatment because, if the condition is ignored, it may lead to suicidal thoughts.”

As per The Wire report, individuals belonging to sexual and gender minorities typically have a higher prevalence rates of mental ill health. A qualitative study of queer women found that anxiety, high substance use and suicidal thoughts were common parts of their experiences. Another study found that 70 per cent of men who have sex with men and 91 percent of transgender persons face depression, frequent alcohol use, and victimization due to violence they face.

Women and gender rights activist Madhu Bhushan commented: “We still exclude transgender people in the society, which is what leads to these problems.” They are still bullied, trafficked and abused in brothels which contribute to their despair. When admitted to hospitals to recover from that trauma, they are treated unfairly, which makes their sadness stifling. Society must learn to accept and treat transgender people fairly.

According to The Wire report, as a country that decriminalised homosexuality only three years ago, India does not have a strong legal framework that prevents discrimination in health or other aspects of life for gender and sexual minorities. vindhya.p@iijnm.org

Ambulance services not enough; it is crucial to have trained paramedics too

By Priya Pathak

TheKarnataka government started the 108 service for immediate medical help. Along with this service, many organisations pitched in to fulfill the need for ambulances.

According to a Niti Aayog report, even though 91 percent of hospitals have in-house ambulances, the number of trained paramedics needed to assist ambulance services is only 34 per cent. A 2021 report of the Aayog said that 30 percent of people needing emergency medical care die due to lack of ambulances.

The Rotary Club of Bangalore donated three ambulances on Monday. Club president Rtn. Sanjay Udani said that these would be given to the burns ward in Victoria Hospital; Hope of Home, a place for homeless, abandoned and orphaned people; and Nightingales, an organisation that provides health care to senior citizens.

A report from the Institute of Health Management Research

said emergency medical services are needed for pregnancy-related cases, and other cases like that of severe trauma, conges-

tive heart failure, obstructive airway diseases and poisoning.

Dr Anand Ram, Assistant Professor of Community Medicine

Excessive construction and engineering work linked to building construction is causing severe harm to the ecosystem. The use of heavy machinery, excavation, and deforestation have resulted in soil erosion, habitat loss, and pollution of air and water. These activities also disrupt natural habitats, risking soil contamination and the loss of plant and animal species. Prioritizing sustainable building practices, and ecological restoration efforts, are crucial to protect biodiversity, while fighting climate change.

Bhaskar Balaji

Pollution cannot be ignored any further

The air quality, the dust, and the smoke from the vehicles make commuting difficult to a point where I can’t ignore the problem of pollution anymore. Bengaluru, once a beautiful city, is now covered in dust and smoke. Pollution and dust is another concern most commuters face. With thousands of vehicles plying on the roads daily, tackling this problem has become difficult.

Winnie Jasper

Hygiene & safety at stake due to poor waste disposal

Poor waste disposal in Bengaluru has had a significant impact on the transmission of various diseases, especially with increased mosquito numbers, foul smells and hazardous material disposed of improperly. These things spew into healthy environments and neighborhoods, creating a growing concern for hygiene and safety.

Krishna Doniparti

Which mission is more valid: Mars or Moon?

at Ramaiah Medical College, said: “We need more organisations to pitch in and give people an option other than government-provided ambulances. The only caveat being that the ambulances must be equipped with life-saving equipments and paramedics trained in basic life support, obstetric emergencies and trauma care.

“The number of ambulances we have do not correspond to the need in both urban and rural India. So it is welcome that such organisations are recognising and catering to public health care needs. Also, the traffic police, city administration and the public health system, along with the private healthcare providers, need to work in tandem to ensure there are no preventable casualties due to lack of coordination”.He added there are 108 ambulance services for medical emergencies ranging from maternity, child, acute cardiovascular, road traffic accidents, injuries, intensive care referrals. priya.p@iijnm.org

Experts claim that the recent explosion of SpaceX’s Starship is but a hiccup and shouldn’t hinder full-stream progress. In a stark contrast, recent headlines report ISRO and NASA are still expanding their upcoming Moon missions. However, whose approach is valid is a mystery.The bruteforce approach of Elon Musk’s company to reach Mars or the conservative approach by space agencies to reach the Moon again.

Anand Raja

Bengaluru has suffered a cultural loss

Noise and sound pollution in Bengaluru are among the biggest challenges that the city faces. While transitioning from a quiet hill station to a metropolitan city, it has lost the space to sit and reflect. Increasing population density has worsened the situation. Gone are the days when one could sit on one’s balcony and absorb the sounds and smells of the environment. Honking traffic, construction and bustling chaos have replaced the peace. It is a cultural loss that demands our attention. Let us cherish our environment before it’s too late.

Aditya Raja

Section 41(6) of the Juvenile Justice Act says any person has the right to adopt | Credit: Aashwin Shankar

Ambulances must be equipped with life-saving equipments and paramedics trained in basic life support | Credit: Priya Pathak

SC’s ruling on overtime shows differences among govt staff

Court said staff have facilities that labourers don’t

By Siddhi Chauhan

Government employees across the country seem divided over the Supreme Court’s ruling that they cannot claim pay for working beyond office hours.

On April 19, a division bench of V. Ramasubramanian and Pankaj Mittal ruled that government employees cannot claim overtime allowance as per the Factories Act, 1948.

As per the judgment, government employees are expected to place themselves at the disposal of government according to the Rule 11 of the Fundamental Rules and Supplementary Rules.

Usha Singh, a professor in a government college, informed The Observer: “If we are working overtime, then we should receive the pay we deserve. Be it a government employee or a private employee, both of them should demand overtime charges. It is acceptable in case a person is asked to stay back for one time

in a month. But in the case where overtime becomes a regular thing, then it is not, and should not be, acceptable. Already an employee works 6 to 7 hours a day. If they are asked to do overtime, they should be paid accordingly for work they do.”

She termed this exploitation of employees.

Sangamesh E.G., a teacher at Butti Basaveshwara Government School, Kushtagi, said it is not right. “Our salary is so low when compared to the work that

we do. On top of that, if we are not paid for overtime work, we will end up with nothing. The salary that we receive is not according to the work that we do. We should receive overtime allowance, that’s our right.”

The Bench stated that government employees receive more benefit when compared to labourers. By providing this, they will “get the best of both the worlds” in case of employees.

While many people feel that not providing overtime payment

Wonders of the world

is a violation of rights, there are people who have a contradictory opinion about the pay.

Karm Mitra, who works at the Central Bank of India, informed The Observer: “I agree with the Supreme Court. As per the Factories Act,1948, government employees do not directly belong to it. It is right to say that the facilities provided to laborers are way less when compared to the facilities provided to government employees.”

Asked about facilities provided to government employees, he said: “Government employees are provided with many facilities, including LTC claim, medical facilities and conveyance allowance. Being a government employee, I can say that in India, labourers are paid less. The salary that they get is very less when compared to the work that they do. Whereas the government employees not only get a good salary but they also get various facilities that are not provided to labourers.”

The Bench was hearing a dispute between the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India and its employees regarding provision of overtime allowance to the employees. siddhi.c@iijnm.org

People overspeed due to lack of signboards and CCTV

Continued from page 1

The shop was 25 feet by 20 feet but has been reduced to 12 feet by 20 feet. “The government gave me compensation, but it was not enough. I would have got more than Rs 20 lakh if they had measured it in meters. But they measured the land in sqft.”

Lokesh Venkatesh, a small chicken shop owner for the past 15 years, said: “Earlier, there used to be a lot of traffic and people used to buy from my shop.” He also referred to the fight that the expressway construction has led to between the land owners. “Compensation was paid by the government, but now there is a fight between shop owners who are brothers. The fight is about who will get more money.”

Srinivas, who runs a mobile equipment shop since 1997, said: “Business has decreased by 30 per cent. Earlier, car drivers would stop and buy aux cables and car chargers. Now big vehicles have moved to the highway. The shop owner got compensation. What have we got?”

Sunil Mehta, a gold shop owner whose shop’s height increased from 2 feet to 7 feet, asked: “How will we get customers if they

cannot see the shop?”

Mehta also pointed to the increased number of accidents, narrating how a schoolbus collided with a truck a few days ago saying its not the first.

G.B. Basavaraju, panchayat development officer, Kumbalgodu, said the panchayat cannot work on its own; it needs the state government’s permission and guidelines to do something.

“The higher authorities are yet to decide. They are working to build the Metro line which will go till Bidadi. They will work to repair the drainage system only after the Metro line gets complete. However, we make sure to clean the drain every Saturday under our Swacch Shanivar Andolan,” the officer said.

Shopkeepers in Kanmanike and Bidadi have also incurred losses. Murli, whose restaurant had just two customers when The Observer visited it, said: “There’s no business at all. I am working with 80 per cent loss. Earlier, I used to earn at least Rs 25,000 per day, but now it’s hardly Rs 5,000. I wish the new expressway would get closed which made our business dull”

Read the full story on our website www.theweeklyobserver.com

Continued from page 1

Another NHAI official who did not want to be named said: “Accidents usually happen when the travellers cross the maximum speed limit of 80 kmph to 100 kmph. We have installed signboards regarding lane discipline, entry exit, and speed limit.”

Commuters say failure of surveillance by the police is the reason behind the accidents.

Naveen Kumar, a regular commuter, informed The Observer: “It is very common for people to overspeed on highways. Yes, it is life-risking. I have observed some people driving at 140 kmph, or even more than that, which is not safe. I believe it also depends on the driver and how well he can handle the speed.... I have rarely observed the traffic police stopping vehicles that are overspeeding at entry and exit points. So commuters continued to overspeed”

According to a Hindu report, a family of five, including three children, died in a car accident near Lambani Tanda in Channapatna taluk of Ramanagara district. The Ramanagara police said over-speeding might be the reason for the accident as one of

the vehicle’s tyres had burst.

S.R. Sanjay, a regular traveller on the expressway, said: “I usually don’t cross 90 kmph, but have seen people overspeeding as there are no signboards and surveillance cameras installed. The expressway should have opened for users after all these things were taken care of. We see a lot of minor and a few major accidents also. Scrutinizing the vehicle speed limit and fining those who overspeed can help reduce accidents. People will also be scared to overspeed.”

The Observer tried to contact Ramanagara superintendent of police Karthik Reddy over the phone, but the officer didn’t respond to the calls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway at a public meeting in the Mandya district. He dedicated the 119km to the nation and called it a gift to the people of Karnataka.c

According to Indian Express, The 119 km Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway project on NH-275 is a 6-10 lane access-controlled highway developed at a cost of Rs 8,480 crore by the ministry of road transport and highway. hamsaveni.n@iijnm.org

Statute Of Unity

Statue of Unity, is the highest statue in the world. It is a fitting homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the ‘Iron Man of India’. It serves as a reminder of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s inspirational leadership, which served as the cornerstone of India’s integration as a unified nation. The Statue of Unity was built by Larsen and Toubro and unveiled on 31 October 2018 by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. With a height of 182 m, the statue is 54 m higher than China’s Spring Buddha Temple (128 m). On Sadhu Bet Island on the Narmada River, the impressive statue is situated. It is the tallest statue in the world and was built in just 46 months. It is a wellknown representation of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the ‘Iron Man’, who was crucial to the success of unification during India’s independence.

Source: Zee Business

Quiz

1. Which is India’s first super computer?

2. Which is the smallest country in the world?

3. Which metal is the lightest metal in the world?

4. In which part of your body would you find the cruciate ligament?

5. What is the currency of Denmark?

6. Which Tennis Grand Slam is played on a clay surface?

7. In which European country would you find the Rijksmuseum?

Answers on page 4

Around the City

Stand Up Nights, 24 April 2023, 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM, 21st Amendment Gastrobar, Indiranagar

7th Fast Food & Cafe Convention 2023, 03 May 2023, 8:30 AM, Hilton Convention Centre, Nagawara, Bengaluru

Grub Fest, 29 & 30 April, 29 to 30 April 2023, RMC EcoWorld, Bellandur, Bengaluru

Great International Developer Summit, 26 - 28 Apr 2023, 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM, J. N. Tata Auditorium, Bengaluru

Let’s Talk-Books (24 Apr ,6:00 – 7:30 pm), Binnamangala,, Indiranagar, Bengaluru

Employees say that the salary they get is very less when compared to the work they do | Credit: Sneha T S

‘If they can’t see the shop, how are they going to buy’

PU results: Students worried cutoffs will be higher this yr

By Shruti Banerjee

Students who have passed the II PU exams held in March 2023 are uncertain about getting admissions in universities of their choice. They fear the cutoffs will be higher than before.

Varshita from Anekal, who passed the exam, informed The Observer: “I am planning to take admission for legal studies at Bangalore University. It is my father’s dream to see his daughter pursue the course of her choice in Bangalore University. During the time of the exam, we were given multiple-choice questions due to which the exam turned out to be very easy. This system of introducing new ways for students by the Karnataka government

could prove to be more effective.”

She further explained: “Earlier, the system was different. Nobody could solve the questions since they were very difficult. The kind of questions provided also would be subjective. Ever since this system was introduced for new admits, there has been a drastic change in the

scores, due to which students today are getting distinction.”

Gangotri, also from Anekal, aspires to study law at Bangalore University’s Jnanabharathi campus. She is apprehensive about the scenario surrounding admissions. “Since there is a thin possibility of (cutoff) marks getting higher than the previous year, it is very unlikely that cutoffs could be high this year. All we can do is just wait and watch.” Maya, a student hailing from Kolar who is pursuing MSc at Bangalore University, said: “I am aware about the percentage of marks that candidates have obtained in the PU examination that were conducted in March. Nothing can be said with certainty, considering that cutoff marks at Bangalore University may go up once again.”

Did You Know?

Sharanya, who is doing her PhD in agricultural science, said: “It may not be the case that the cutoffs may go higher, but let’s see what happens. As of now nothing can be said for sure. Since admissions are yet to begin, as students, we need to keep a close eye on what the authorities are going to say next.”

According to a recent report by The Times of India, despite Karnataka having the highest number of colleges and universities, the government has made a clear attempt to make the process easier. The report further stated that the aggregate number of students has risen from 60 per cent to 85 per cent, showing that a large number of students have been joining varied courses in universities and colleges. shruti.b@iijnm.org

Is this the age of influencer marketing?

The influencer market is valued at Rs 900 crore

By Siddhi Chauhan

Sudeepa Banerjee had never imagined being included on a list of “influencers”. It was in 2020 that her life changed.

Like many influencers, she began posting content online because she had nothing to do during the lockdown. She was diagnosed with PCOS. That is when she decided to explore skincare and study the science behind it. Currently, she has about 2,000 followers. On average, she does eight or nine advertisements every month.

This is not just the case with Sudeepa; there are many micro-influencers like her. According to an article published by the Business World, the Indian influencer market is valued at Rs 900 crore. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25 per cent to reach Rs 2,200 crore by 2025.

Soujanya Mamidipalli, a social media marketer, explained to The Observer: “Marketing is important for a company because it helps get the word out about its products and services to potential customers. It’s like when you see a cool ad for a new product and you get curious about it and want to try it out.”

A firm can use different types of marketing: social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing, she added. What is influencer marketing?

An article by McKinsey & Company describes an influenc-

A survey reveals that audience trust influencers more when compared to celebrities | Credit: Ahona Roy

er as people with a sizable social media following who can influence his/her followers. Influencer marketing means collaboration between the influencer and a brand that wants to promote its products.

Explaining the difference between traditional marketing and influencer marketing, Soujanya said it totally depends upon the target of a company. “Traditional marketing like TV ads and billboards can be seen by a lot of people, but sometimes they can feel impersonal. Influencer marketing, on the other hand, can feel more authentic and relatable because you’re seeing someone you trust recommend a product. Personally, I think a mix of traditional and influencer marketing could be a good strategy.”

According to a 2022 survey

that consisted of over 2,000 global brands, 80 per cent rely on Instagram for influencer marketing.

Aman Mudgal, CEO of a marketing company, Getsalenow, explained why influencer marketing is flourishing in India. “We are in 2023 and as we can see, people consume content even more than they consume their food. The average usage of social media for people belonging in the age group 16 to 24 is about six hours daily.”

Explaining its effect on consumer behaviour, he said: “Many people follow what their favourite celebrities or influencers recommend. This is what makes an advertiser feel that what’s better than a person talking good about my product.”

According to a survey conducted by a digital marketing institute, audiences trust influ-

If you need an extra boost in the morning, we suggest reaching for green tea’s mighty cousin: matcha. One cup of matcha, a type of green tea, packs in 280 mg of caffeine, while traditional green tea contains a meek 35mg. This is eight times the regular amount.

Quiz Answers

encers more when compared to celebrities. The study reveals that 49 per cent of consumers depend on influencers’ recommendations, and 40 per cent purchase something based on their recommendations.

Arpit Yadav, a 25-year-old, follows a lot of influencers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. He follows them because they provide entertaining and informative content that resonates with his interests and values.

Sasha Jain, who follows a few influencers online, said she pays attention to the products influencers talk about, but doesn’t purchase all of them. She buys after researching a product, but she believes that if an influencer recommends something that aligns with her interests, she must try it out.

Asked why she relies on them, she replied: “I rely on influencers because they have a way of making things relatable and approachable. They share their experiences and opinions, which can be very helpful when I’m trying to make a decision. I also like that they showcase a variety of products and ideas, which can be useful when I’m looking for inspiration.”

Influencers are categorized into five different sizes based on the number of followers they have. Nano influencers have fewer than 10,000 followers. Micro influencers have 10,000 to 50,000 followers. Medium influencers have from 50,000 to 100,000 followers. Macro influencers have more than 5 lakh followers. Mega influencers are on the top. siddhi.c@iijnm.org

Tweetcasm

Captain Dhoni is now at his favourite position - On top of the table

@Sagarcasm

Weather

Maximum Temperature: 32°C

Minimum Temperature: 22°C

Dew Point: 17 °C

Humidity: 46%

Air quality: Poor

Pressure :29.77 in Forecast: 31°C

Quote of the Week

“Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.” Dalai Lama

Produced by the Print students of the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media at Nityananda Nagar, Kumbalgodu, Kengeri hobli, Bengaluru 560074.

Editor: Arsha B S

Reporters: Hamsaveni N, Yukta Mudgal, Siddhi Chahuan, Shruti Banerjee

Copy editors: Yashaswini Sri, Vindhya Pabolu, Ahona Roy, Sneha TS

Photo editor: Janani Srinivas

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