The Observer Vol 21 Issue 28, Dailies 1

The Observer

An IIJNM publication

B’lureans suffer due to water supply disruptions in central and southern parts of the city | P 2

Vol. 21, Issue 28

Monday, May 9, 2022

As trees crash, some areas face long power cuts

Website: http://www. theweeklyobserver.in

News Briefs

Lanka PM Mahinda Rajapaksa resigns

SC rebukes CPI(M) on Shaheen Bagh demolition

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Amid protests over an anti- encroachment drive conducted in Delhi’sShaheen Bagh by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, the Supreme Court rejected the CPI(M)’s plea against the drive, objecting to a political party filing a plea. It asked the party to approach the Delhi HC

A tree fell over a car in HSR Layout amid strong winds late at night | Courtesy: Ishan Sarma had crashed made it difficult to walk on the road.

Other parts of Bengaluru experienced similar weather conditions. Akshay Krishna, a resident from Haralur Road, said: “We were going out to play volleyball when the sky turned black real quick. While we were playing, it started to rain heavily. Winds were also blowing fast.. As we were going out to bring our cycles in, the tree next to the entrance broke and fell

on them.. Windows in the club house developed cracks. As the seal broke and water started to come inside the club.”

The BBMP said that 67 trees were uprooted in Bommanahalli, and seven crashed in JP Nagar. HSR Layout, RR Nagar, Banashankari and Malleswaram were also affected.

Sahil Choudhary from HSR Layout complained of a 17hours-long power cut in his area.

“It felt like living in the Dark

Everyone loves UPI payments Both citizens and vendors find them fast & safe

By Anwesha Singh

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Epaper: https://issu.com/ theweeklyobserver/docs

According to local media, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned from his post amid the island nation’s worst economic crisis.

By Simran Sharma

ow much is it?”

“Rs 450. Ma’am, you can Google Pay the amount.

Here is the QR code.”

This is an everyday conversation between Vats Meha, a student, and any shopkeeper, vendor or auto/cab driver that she has to pay money.

“Online payments have made our lives so easy. Almost everyone uses PhonePe, PayTM or Google Pay. Even small street

https://twitter.com/ observer_weekly

Few drivers in Bengaluru pay heed to ‘No Honking’ signs at elevated Metro stations | P 3

Bengaluru suffers rain havoc ollowing a heavy thunderstorm on Sunday, Bengaluru witnessed long power cuts and roadblocks. Heavy rain and gusty winds led to uprooting of trees and snapping of cables and wires across the city.

The Bengaluru weather office has issued a warning of heavy rain in north and south Karnataka. As per the forecast, thunderstorms and rain are expected to continue in the region for the next three days. Sunil Reddy, a resident of HSR Layout, said: “I had a narrow escape last night. I was out when the storm started, and quickly rushed back home.

As soon as I reached home, I saw people posting videos and pictures of fallen trees and damaged vehicles on social media.

My car also got damaged in the storm. The wind was too fast.”

He had not seen such a storm in the 20 years he has lived in Bengaluru, he shared.

The Observer saw broken electricity cables were lying on the roads in HSR Layout Trees that

https://facebook.com/ iijnmbangalore

UPI saw its highest ever number of transactions in April 2022 at 5.58 billion, amounting to Rs. 9.83 trillion | Credit: Anwesha vendors and other shopkeepers,” shared Meha. Earlier, she used to carry cash in case of emergency, but now, since everyone accepts online payments, she doesn’t carry any cash.

“Also, using online modes of

payment helps me keep a record of where I spent money.... Just scroll down the history and you know when and where you spent your money,” she added.

For Aviral Aggarwal, a mechanical engineer, online transactions spared him the trouble of carrying cash. “It was always difficult to carry cash. You have to take care of the money you are carrying.... For a person like me, doing online payments is a huge relief.” He has now been using the online mode of payment for more than two years.

Asked if there was any situation where he wanted to pay online but couldn’t, he informed The Observer: “I don’t remember any such instance.. ►Continued on page 4

Ages. I had no battery (charge) in my phone or laptop. I just couldn’t work.”. Choudhary, who works from home, was afraid of losing out on work due to the long power cut.

Ansel Lobo, resident of Manammanapalya Road, had a similar story. He said there was no power for 6 to 7 hours in his area. He wanted to order food, but due to the heavy rain, he could not. He contacted Bescom in vain. ►Continued on page 4

Chhota Shakeel aide detained in Mumbai

The NIA has detained gangster Chhota Shakeel’s associate Salim Qureshi a.k.a. Salim Fruit from his house in Mumbai. The NIA has also conducted raids in parts of Mumbai and Thane districts against associates of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

LIC IPO subscribed 2.64 times on last day

The LIC IPO was subscribed 2.64 times on Monday, its last day. It received a record number of applications from retail investors. * Applicants hopeful, P5

Parents must monitor kids’ Web surfing, say experts

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growing risk of inappropriate content on the internet and cyber bullying calls for regulation of Web surfing by children, experts say. Regulation is important as perpetrators usually like to target children, who are more gullible than adults, reports Chhavi Vohra.

Experts believe there needs to be greater awareness among children aboutsafe surfing. Also, parents should check children’s mobiles to ensure they surfonly for the educationalpurpose. They can install software programs that keep a check on children’s online activities.

Psychologists say inappropriate Web content can impact children’s mental health. It can be

psychologically disturbing and may cause children to behave violently.

According to latest data of the National Crime Records Bureau, quoted in a Hindustan Times report, cybercrimes against children shot up in 2020 over the previous year.

Full report on page 3

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The Observer Monday, May 9, 2022

CITY

Bengalureans in distress due to water supply disruptions Water turmoil due to repair work: BWSSB

By Chhavi Vohra

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reas under Cauvery water supply scheme faced a water supply cut on Monday.

The cut follows an emergency shutdown of the Cauvery water supply treatment plant and the pumping stations at TK Halli and Tataguni.

The water supply was disrupted from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. The disruption affected people living in areas like Banashankari, Lalbagh Road, MG Road, Cubbon Park and Gandhinagar.

Amid the disruptions, many people said they cannot afford expensive tankers for carrying out household activities.

Mangla K., a resident from Banashankari, said: “I use Cau-

Covid Tracker

BWSSB Chief Engineer said that tankers have been supplying water to people but they said this isn’t happening | Credit: Arshiya Agarwal very water for everything. Now, it’s very tough since the water supply has stopped. Earlier the tanker was for Rs 800. Now it has increased to Rs 1000. I cannot afford it.”

Jai Krishna, a Cubbon Park resident informed The Observer that the situation isn’t new to them. “We have been facing a water problem for the last 22 years. Public representatives give us false assurances that ev-

erything will be alright. We have to somehow manage,” he said.

Rhea Sharma, resident from the Cubbon Park, said with frustation: “We had to fill up buckets last night to use them today. Even then, we are utilizing water cautiously as there’ll be a disruption till 9 p.m.”

Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) claimed that maintenance work is the reason behind water supply dis-

ruptions. They say there is no alternative arrangement and that the repair work is still going on.

Ramesh S V, Chief Engineer, BWSSB, explained the need for maintenance. “Our pumps are running all day long. Every day, we are pumping 1,500 ml of water. Today there is a water scarcity of 130-140 ml. Our pipeline is supplying water in bulk across the city. We are not in a position to provide an alternative arrangement,” he said.

He further said that the tankers have been supplying water to the residents. Residents, however, denied the availability of any such arrangements.

Raghavendra B, activist, working for water rights Action Aid, said: “Four pipelines are already being laid. At least 135 litres of water should be provided every day. which will spread more diseases. The government must look after the situation and look for options for slum areas. chhavi.v@iijnm.org

Congress wants inquiry into actions of Ashwath Narayan

Citizen’s Voice

RCB fans await the IPL trophy this year Seeing the Red team win the IPL trophy remains a dream for RCB fans. An ardent supporter of RCB, I find it heart-breaking to see them lose year after year.

But after the IPL auction this year, RCB got a new captain and new young players. So there is a chance they might win this year.

Sunday’s win against Sunrisers Hyderabad improved RCB’s net run rate and got them 14 points.

Kevin Freese

Champions League final should be interesting

Real Madrid’s matches this Champions League knockout stage have been unbelievable.

After coming back from behind against Chelsea, they managed to do so in a dramatic way against Manchester City. Liverpool has the stronger team in the final, but the conviction with which Real Madrid players play should make the May 29 final a much more interesting watch than the dull Champions League finals we have had in the past few years.

Keshav Janyani

30 injured as bus rams Metro pillar

Karnataka 112

New Cases Active Cases

1694

Total Cases

39,48,747

Rash driving is the suspected cause of crash | Courtesy: KPN

By Saumyangi Yadav

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New Vaccinations

9406 Total Vaccinations

10,68,24,311

India 3207

New Cases Active Cases

20,403

Total Cases

4,31,05,401

New Vaccinations

13,50,622 Total Vaccinations

1,90,34,90,396

KPCC spokesperson Ramesh Babu’s main demand is to institute a fair inquiry into the suicide of Dr N.S. Ashok Kumar in November 2020. He was an aspirant for the post of Vice Chancellor | Credit: Shristi A.

Says minister should quit or be dismissed

By Shristi Achar

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he Congress on Monday demanded an inquiry into the “scandals” of Higher Education Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan.

KPCC spokesperson Ramesh Babu said Ashwath Narayan was involved in the PSI scam, scandals in the appointment of Vice Chancellors and principals in governmentt universities,, andirregularities in the distribution of about 1.5 lakh tablets as well as the laptops.,

Addressing a press conference with party leader and ex-mayor Ramachandra (Congress leader and ex-mayor) andKPCC member N Diwakar, he said there should be an impartial investigation into these matters.

Babu’s main demand was to institute a included a proper inquiry into the November 2020 suicide of Dr N.S. Ashok Kumar, who was a former registrar of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Ashok Kumar, an aspirant for the position of Vice Chancellor, had to allegedly bribe the officers under the minister Ashwath Narayan.

Babu wanted to know whether these officers were government appointed or were personally recruited by Ashwath Narayan. “I request the CM to take this case

up suo motu and set up a commission of inquiry into the death of Ashok Kumar. If the matter is referred to the CBI or the central government, we can expect justice. My request is that the Higher Education Minister of Karnataka should be sacked or must resign from the government.”

Additionally, he also demanded an inquiry into the alleged appointment of Ashwath Narayan’s close relatives like P. Pradeep, the IAS officer from the Maharashtra Cadrewho becamehis Principal Secretary when he was a Deputy chief minister;,;Bhagawan and Ramesh Reddy, who were appointed teachers in government colleges, despite not being qualified for the posts. shristi.a@iijnm.org

bout 30 people were injured when a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus hit a Metro pillar near the Kengeri police station in Bengaluru on Sunday.

According to police, the accident took place around midnight.

The area reportedly had received heavy rainfall.

Kengeri police inspector Mallikarjun said that three seriously injured people have been transferred to an ICU for observation.

There were no deaths.

The bus was travelling from Madikeri to Bengaluru.

“The cause of the accident is suspected to be rash and negligent driving. Due to heavy rain and storm, roads were blocked.

This could have caused the accident, happened late at night,” a constable at the station said to The Observer.

Injured passengers have been admitted to Victoria Hospital and Supra Hospital in Kengeri.

The bus driver has been admitted to BGS Hospital. saumyangi.y@iijnm.org

The Observer Monday, May 9, 2022

CITY

Few pay heed to ‘No Honking’ signs outside Metro stations Many unaware that honking is punishable

By Swarali Bodas

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oud honking still prevails outside Metro stations in Bengaluru despite ‘No Honking’ boards.

Gehna Desai, 21, a college student in Bengaluru, used to go to the JP Nagar Metro station every day to travel to her college. A month ago, she noticed a signage that clearly said, ‘Metro Premises | No Honking’.

“It was quite ironical. There is a sign that clearly says ‘No Honking’, but I can see and hear at least five to seven cars and bikes honking right now,” she informed The Observer.

Rohit Deshmukh, who lives near the Sandal Soap Factory Metro station, concurred with Desai: “The same signboard is put up outside the Sandal Soap Factory station, but it is of no use. The honking is still there.”

The Observer saw that the message on the sign was not followed at the Kengeri, Trinity, JP Nagar and Thalaghattapura Metro stations. Drivers of motorbikes, cars, trucks and even BMTC buses were honking while in the ‘No Honking Zones’

Most drivers don’t follow the signage but there are some who try to follow the rules to make the city honking free | Courtesy: Sourasis Bose near Metro stations.

“Sometimes we are in a hurry and do not see the sign,” said Arun Joshi, a biker at the Trinity station, on being asked why he did not follow the sign.

Nishikanth Gowda, a cab driver, said: “We have never paid attention to the sign. Nor did any traffic cop tell us that this is an offence. If there is traffic, we have to blow the horn.”

According to an article published in The Times of India four months ago, Citizens for Citizens, an NGO, and BMRCL

put up a ‘No Honking’ sign outside the Trinity station. This is a joint effort by them to make Bengaluru India’s first city to be honking free.

The BMRCL said they would put up signs like these on all the 48 elevated Metro stations.

BL Yashavantha Chavan, chief engineer of BMRCL, talked about the importance of reducing noise levels in the city.

“Honking in the city creates noise pollution. In areas where the stations are on the road and the building line nearer to the road

line, it creates a closed area. The noise decibel levels will increase compared to the open areas as there is no open space to subside the noise early.”

Asked why honking still prevails in these areas, he said that people should do their part. “We are trying to educate people by providing the boards for reduction of noise levels. People have to try to be a part of it.”

According to Guidelines for Noise and Vibrations, metro transit rail system, elevated structures like those of Metro stations anywhere should have lower vibration levels. 10db is the highest acceptable noise level under such structures.

Law-abiding citizens like Manik K, who has been a cab driver in Bengaluru for almost 20 years, said: “I go according to the law. I cannot read or speak English that well but the signs at some Metro stations are written in Kannada. The signs say to not honk because it is a Metro station, and I try not to.”

According to Bengaluru Traffic Police Rules and Regulations, a driver of a vehicle, either two or four vehicler, should not honk in a no honking zone/silence zone.

According to the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Act, a fine of Rs 1,000 is to be levied for the first offence and Rs 2,000/- for subsequent violations. swarali.b@iijnm.org

It is important to monitor kids’ use of the Internet, say experts

They face risk of exposure to explicit content

By Chhavi Vohra

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hruti Sharma, a Bengaluru resident, remembers with horror how her neighbour’s child, once clicked on a suspicious link while operating his mother’s laptop. Following this, the computer was hacked. Explicit photos of the parents were released online, putting them in an embarrassing situation.

“This wouldn’t have happened had somebody regulated the child’s Internet surfing,” said Shruti Sharma.

Incidents like these underline the need to regulate children’s Internet surfing as online access comes with risks like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Children can often be exposed to this threat, experts say. Presha Malhotra, 21, who has done an online course on cyber-security, agrees

There is a need to spread awareness among children on surfing the internet safely | Credit: Chhavi Vohra with the urgent need for regula- curity, said Internet regulation tion. “Regulation is important in is vital. “Regulation has become various ways. From looking that more important today due to the your child doesn’t come across rise in cybercrimes. The perpeexplicit, age-sensitive content to trator usually targets children watching out for predators who as they are more gullible.” might prod your child to reveal Swaraj Ghawale, a cyber-secupersonal information like ad- rity engineer, believes there is a dress and phone number, regu- need to spread awareness among lation is vital. Children might children on safe surfing. “Nowaunknowingly become part of days everything comes online. something dangerous,” she in- There are online classes and also formed The Observer. work from home. So parents give Tanya Sharma, 22, who, too, their mobiles to their children. has done a course on cyber-se- However, as computers and In-

ternet-connected devices become more common for work, play or school assignments, it can become more difficult for parents to protect their children from numerous threats on the Web.” He suggested taking some steps that can help to spread awareness among children: • Parents should check that their children’s mobiles to ensure they surf the internet only for educational purposes.

• A parenting software/app must be installed devices if your child has a mobile. Using this app, one can watch their children’s search history, and set sleeping time and other monitering activities on the kid’s mobile.

• Installing antivirus software on mobiles and computers to secure children from online threats.

• Children should be asked to inform their parents immediately if someone’s actions online are making them uncomfortable.

• The should be told to avoid any suspicious link and to not download anything from the Web. chhavi.v@iijnm.org Read the full story on: www.theweeklyobserver.in

3 Across the city

Drum Camp 2022, Lahe Lahe, HAL 2nd Stage, Bengaluru, May 9 onwards Makeover of Sarkari School, Government Higher Primary School, Channasandra, Bengaluru, May 14-15 Bangalore Arts and Crafts Mela, Art Complex, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, May 6-15 Namaste NFT Bengaluru 2022, 10th Mile, Tumkur Main Road, Bengaluru, May 14-15 Recommerce Expo, The Lalit Ashok, Kumarakrupa Road, Bengaluru, May 18 On a Roll, Bangalore International Center, Domlur, Bengaluru, May 14 Bengaluru Run with Kalenji, Decathlon, Sarajpura, Bengaluru, May 22 Dance Allow 2022, ADA Ranga Mandir, JC Road, Bengaluru, May 21 D’sire Expo, The Lalit Ashok, Kumarakrupa Road, Bengaluru, May 24 Vir Das Wanted, Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru, May 20 Hulisheva Live Performance, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Art Complex, Kumarakrupa Road, Bengaluru, May 9 Fast Food and Cafe Convention, The Lalit Ashok, Kumarakrupa Road, Bengaluru, May 10 9th Bongcloud Open Rapid Chess Tournament, Vega City Mall, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, May 15 Bal Utsav, Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, May 15 Google I/O Extended, Google India, Carina East Tower, Bagmane Constellation Business Park, Bengaluru, May 11

Quiz

1. Bengaluru’s lakes get its water supply from which river?

2.What is Bengaluru also known as ?

3.Where is the glass house in Bengaluru located?

4.Which royal dynasty owned the Bangalore palace?

5.Which popular cricket stadium is located in Bengaluru?

6.Is Bengaluru 900 meters above sea level, True or false?

7.By what name is the Bangalore film industry known?

8.Name the national park located in Bengaluru city?

9.Name the famous science institute in Bengaluru?

10.Who is said to be the founder of modern Bengaluru?

11. Which novel by R.K Narayan was inspired by Bangalore?

12. What was the old name for Cubbon Park?

13. Which famous UK Prime minister owes money to the Bangalore Club?

14. Which hospital in Bengaluru was built in the honour of Queen Victoria 15. Which bus terminal in Bengaluru was once a lake?

16. Bengaluru is located in which state?

17. Name the oldest bookstore in Bengaluru?

18. Name the largest park in Bengaluru? ►Answers on page 5

4

CITY

New Atal stadium’s canopy collapses

►Continued from page 1

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tal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium, which was inaugurated by the chief minister on March 1, had one of its canopies upturned because of the winds.

Shashi Kumar, a security guard at the newly built stadium, informed The Observer that there was just light rain around 5pm, but after an hour, it started to rain heavily. The showers were accompanied with strong gusts of wind. A board came down at first, followed by the canopy. A passerby was injured on the forehead and nose.

Sunil Reddy, a member of the stadium committee, said the injured man was immediately admitted to Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout of Bengaluru.

Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy said: “Repair work has started and within 15 days we will be able to complete it. This will have no impact on the upcoming events.” The cost of dam-

CM inaugrated Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium one month ago | Courtesy: Sriparna Roy age was nearly Rs 25 lakh.

A. Prasad, a scientist from the Metrological Department, said: “The thunderstorm was because of the convection and local heating. The wind system here is

intense and it drags moisture from the warm Arabian Sea which travels over the Western Ghats, leading to the formation of clouds. Therefore, south Karnataka will continue facing thunderstorms and rainfall for the next three days. Warning against gusty winds has been issued. The wind speed is predicted to be 30 to 40 kmph.”

Cyclonic storms are stronger than usual over the Bay of Bengal as well. They will hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh and south of Odisha by the evening of May 10. “These cyclonic storms will help in more cloud formation here, leading to more rain and thunderstorms in Bengaluru and its vicinity.”

The weather office said that the highest wind speed recorded on May 8 was 61 kmph.

Bescom said at least 375 electricity poles and 30 transformers were damaged, while 398 trees crashed on power supply lines. simran.s@iijnm.org

The Observer Monday, May 9, 2022

Energy Department conducts transformer maintenance

By Saumyangi Yadav

T

he Deparment of Energy is conducting a 15-day transformer maintenance campaign in Bengaluru from May 5 to May 20. The decision was taken in the wake of the upcoming monsoon season.

Rajesh N.M., Assistant Engineer at BESCOM, said: “We have fixed 1932 transformers in Bangalore since March 5 of this year, and 40 specifically in our Kumaraswamay jurisdiction.”

According to the official website of BESCOM, Bangalore has 455604 existing transformers and 4266 transformers have failed just in the month of March this year. During the previous years, on an average, about 28,000 transformers fail in a year and average cost of their repair is about Rs. 77.52 crores.

“Our main agenda is to shift the transformers into safe space, but the space constraint remains

as no specific space is given to the transformers in the city.

To solve this, we have installed newly designed transformers which are over 10 feet above the ground level,” added Rajesh.

In March 28, an accident claimed the lives of two people near the Manganahalli bridge as a transformer exploded and spilled oil over the two. According to a report by The Indian Express, Karnataka Energy Minister V Sunil Kumar had said that negligence by BESCOM in addressing a complaint has led to the unfortunate accident.

An FIR was lodged against two BESCOM officials for negligence at Jnanabharathi police station.

Nagaraja, police sub-inspector at Jnanabharathi police station, told The Observer: “These cases happen because there is no proper maintenance of the transformer. The transformer still hasn’t been fixed properly.” saumyangi.y@iijnm.org

Digital transactions increased by BJP is disrupting 33 per cent during FY 2021-22 communal harmony, says Christian outfit

►Continued from page 1

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rerika Makkar, an MSc atudent, spoke about the benefits of online payments. “The biggest benefit of this (online payments) is that I don’t face the problem of paying a certain amount of money. You see, if the cost of something is Rs. 176, I can pay the exact amount through the online mode. On the other hand, if the payment is to be done through cash, it becomes difficult to give the exact money, and most of the time, they don’t have the change.”

“During the pandemic, online payments have definitely gained popularity. Even I started using it back in 2020. No doubt, it is easy and hassle-free, for it saves me time as well.”

According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), India’s flagship digital payments platform, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) witnessed its highest number of transactions in April 2022 at 5,583, million valued at Rs. 9,83,302 crore. In April the previous year, the transactions numbered 2,641 million, valued at Rs. 4,93,663 crore. The volume of transactions rose by 111.39 per cent and the value of transactions increased by 99 per cent this year.

Ayub Khan, an autorickshaw driver, prefers receiving online payments. “Every other customer has GPay or PhonePe, and they prefer the online mode of payment. I also feel that it is much

By Saumyangi Yadav

M

Reserve Bank of India, in association with National PAyments Corporation of India, recently introduced UPI Pay123 for 400 million feature phones without an internet connection | Credit: Anwesha Singh easy to pay online. It is safe and saves times. Many times, people don’t have change or I don’t have change which creates problem.

With online payments, there is no such difficulty.”

K.R. Nagaraju, another autorickshaw driver, is also comfortable with online transactions.

“I don’t remember the last time I received a payment through cash. At present, everyone uses online payment methods. It is an easy option. Since everyone uses it, I too have to keep myself upgraded. I use it not only for re-

ceiving money but also for paying at shops.”

Recently, Mint published a report which mentioned an increase in digital payments in India by 33 per cent year-on-year (YoY) during FY 2021-22. The Ministry of Electronics and IT said that a total of 7,422 crore digital transactions were recorded during the period. In FY 202021, 5,554 crore transactions were recorded in the database. anwesha.s@iijnm.org ►Read the full report on www.theweeklyobserver.in

embers of Karnataka Christian Social Welfare Association called out BJP government and right-wing groups for creating communal disharmony in the state over the targeting of Christians, Muslims and other religious minorities.

“The government is blaming us of conversion... If that is so, show me the proof of conversion.. Show me the reports,” said Harry D’souza, President of Karnataka Christian Social Welfare Association, while addressing reporters at a press conference here in Bengaluru.

The Chritian community has been enraged by the allegations made by Pramod Muthalik, the chief of Rashtriya Hindu Sena, parent organization of Sri Rama Sene. Muthalik blamed Christians for vandalizing idols and for illegal conversion.

“Christians were about 6.5% of population earlier. Today the number is 2.5%. There has been an allegation that conversion is done by offering money.

In that case there should be a minimum of 30 to 35 lakh Christians in the state today. Conversions happen legally and with proper documentation from the government. We kindly request the government to release these documents,” the press release by the association read.

The members of the associa-

tion also added that the government is supporting right wing extremist groups and is intentionally creating a division in the society for its own gain.

“In the Hijab row, the government could have solved the matter if they had a problem with the hijab or burkha... Why are people wearing saffron shawls and creating chaos instead?” added Harry D’souza.

Pramod Muthalik has been in the headlines for the Azaan and Hanuman Chalisa controversy recently. According to a report

by Hindustan Times, Pramod Muthalik called for Hanuman Chalisa to be played in temples across Karnataka. He had also asked CM Basvaraj Bommai to show “guts”, by taking actions against the Azaan issue, like Uttar Pradesh’s Adityanath had.

Nathan Daniel, Congress member and Secretary of Karnataka Christian Political front, told The Observer: “I am 58 years old and I have been in the Congress for over 30 years. But the situation in Karnataka was never this bad until BJP government took charge in 2018... how can you seperate Hindu, Muslims and Christians in a country like India? This is all part of their political agenda.”

The Christian leaders will hold a protest on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 to demand the arrest of Pramod Muthalik.

Saumyangi.y@iijnm.org

The Observer Monday, May 9, 2022

CITY

It’s raining losses on vendors at the Arts and Crafts Mela But CKP official says rain has not affected anyone

By Ayndrila Banerjee

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endors showcasing their region- specific art pieces at the Arts and Crafts Mela hosted by Chitrakala Parishath have faced losses due to heavy and untimely rain.

The Mela, being held from May 6 to 15, has vendors hailing from different parts of the country.

Salma, one of the vendors at a stall that sells kurtis from Kashmir, said: “Due to the rain and the fact that it usually coincides with the timings of the mela (11 am to 7 pm), we have faced considerable losses. Footfallsdecrease after rain.” On a rainy day,her business suffers a loss of nearly 20-25 per cent.

The Observer noticed huge holes in plastic covers over the exhibition area, enough for rainwater to seep into the stalls.

Just a few steps ahead of Salma’s shop is an Odhisha Pattachitra Paintings, a stall that sells traditional Odisha paintings. Its shop owner, Niranjan, an artist himself, said: “Just two days ago, three of my paintings were completely ruined. Because of this I had to destroy those paintings and eventually I had

Heavy rain has disrupted the business of the vendors and has resulted in losses | Credit: Ahna Prakash and Ayndrila Banerjee

to face a lot of losses.”

On a good business day, Niranjan sells Rs25,000-30,000 worth of paintings. But due to rains, his business has dropped to 50 per cent of that.“My wage depends on how many paintings I sell in a day. So a low footfall affects my salary too,” he added.

K.S. Appjaaiah, General Secretary of the Chitrakala Parishath, however, on the contrary, said none of the vendors incurred any losses due to the showers.

“The rain had no effect on the Mela. We have had customers coming in for the fair.”

The management has not provided any compensation to those who have been affected.

On the other hand, vendors like Salma and Niranjan have no other option but to keep their stalls open, hoping that the customers will return soon.

The fair has invited artists from all over the country. Although most of the artists have been coming to the fair for a long time, it was the first time for Ashok Kumar Das, a Madhubani artist from Bihar. He says that his business turned out to be quite impressive, given the fact that it was his first time in Chitrakala Parishath. However, the rains have simmered down his excitement. He said: “Bengaluru has had an unpredictable weather but I was aware of it and was quite prepared for it.” ayndrila.b@iijnm.org

Applicants optimistic as LIC IPO goes public

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any applicants are eagerly awaiting information about the allocation of LIC shares to come out.

Arun Harchandani, an LIC policy holder, informed The Observer: “The word LIC itself is a brand name….The added benefit of being a policyholder convinced me to subscribe to it.”

About the probability of being allotted shares of India’s largest insurer, he said: “I have applied for the minimum quantity, which cost me around Rs13,000.

I am hopeful I will get it.”

Nidhi Dumbre, a chartered accountant, said she applied because she thought the IPO would be profitable. “I waited till the last day…. I subscribed for 45 shares, which is three lots, and feel hopeful about allotment.”

Samkit Doshi, a CA from Mumbai, Maharashtra, thinks the net worth of LIC is far more than is quoted. “I am sure it will give me 2.5-3 times returns in the next four to five years. I subscribed… on day 1 itself for two lots. I am hopeful,” he said.

Kamal Janyani, a retail investor,has subscribed for the listing gains. “I subscribed to it yesterday and mostly will get it,” Janyani said. LIC employees also are optimistic they will be allotted shares of their employer.

Vidya Sawant, an LIC employee, said:“Being an employee, I trust some allotment is assured.

I have invested in it since I am a part of this esteemed organisation and I am sure the stock will perform well and do good.”

While there are employees like Preeti Bodas, who is of the opinion that LIC should not be privatised. “I did not subscribe to it. I am totally against privatisation.

Now it under the government and hence everyone can get access to insurance. But once it gets privatised, only some people will have the power. I don’t think that’s right,” Bodas informed The Observer. LIC’s public offering, India’s biggest IPO, opened for bidding on May 4. It aims to raise up to Rs 21,000 crore. According to an article on Moneycontrol, it was fully subscribed on the second day. swarali.b@iijnm.org

This day that year

On this day, in 1945, Nazi Germany signed the German Instrument of Surrender. Since then, Russians celebrate May 9 every year as ‘Victory Day’.

Victory day commemorates the end of World War II and is also considered a day to remember all the sacrifices made in the war. The day has become an annual event in Russia. Every year, there are military parades in Red Square in Moscow and cities across Russia on 9 May, marking victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Quote

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

- Maya Angelou

Weather

Max. temperature: 32°C Min. temperature: 22°C Humidity: 49% UV Index: Low Wind: 5 km/hr Precipitation: 5%

Quiz Answers

1.Kaveri 2. Garden city 3. Lalbagh 4.Wodeyar 5.Chinnaswamy Stadium 6. True 7.Sandalwood 8. Bannerghatta National Park 9. IIS 10. Kempegowda 11.Malgudi Days 12.Kempegowda Bus Terminal 13.Meade’s Park 14.Winston Churchill 15.The Victoria Hospital 16.Karnataka 17. Higginbotham’s 18. Lalbhag

By Swarali Bodas

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Team Observer

STAFF QUATERS GO GREEN: CM Basavraj Bommai laid the foundation stone for the new staff quarters for the Public Works Department in Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. With him were the PWD minister C C Patil and Chief Secretary of Karnataka Sate Ravi Kumar, the CM inaugrated the event

of laying the foundation stone.

The project is slated to be completed in two years. It is a Rs.117 crore project, aimed at housing 72 families in two towers. It is being constructed as a new, green model, the old building that was constructed in the 1940s was demolishd | Credit: Shristi Achar A

Editor: Swarali Bodas Reporters: Anwesha Singh, Chhavi vohra, Swarali Bodas, Saumyangi Yadav, Shristi Achar A. Simran Sharma, Ayndrila Banerjee Copy-editors: Tina Freese, Anwesha Singh, Saumyangi Yadav, Arshreet Singh, Kashish Sharma Page Layout: Tina Freese, Anwesha Singh, Arshreet Singh Photo Editor: Tina Freese Supplement: Simran Sharma, Anydrila Banerjee

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The Observer Monday, May 9, 2022

Lifestyle

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Royal dress code: The Queen’s rules

England’s royal family follows a particular set of rules when it comes to fashion, but what’s the logic behind it, writes Ayndrila Banerjee

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ver wondered why Queen Elizabeth is only seen in bright coloured clothes? Or why women of the royal family always carry clutches with them? For the unaware, there is something peculiar in the way the members of the r o y a l f a m ily, especially women, dress up.

Each ‘rule’— as the royal family likes to call it— is backed by bizarre logic.

As to why the queen likes to wear bright clothes, she simply has to stand out. She is

seen sporting bright colours such as red, yellow, green , blue and orange to legitimize her presence, in order for people to notice her from a distance.

The clutch on the other hand, is not just an accessory to carry stuff for the royals.

They a r e often carried to avoid handshakes.

They are also designed to hide cleavage if someone is wearing a deep neck dress, since an exposed cleavage is a big no-no in the royal

family.

The queen is always seen with hand gloves in public. As to why, the reason for this is straightforward. Being the head of the royal family, the queen must be protected at all cost to ensure her longevity. The likelihood of her catching germs or bacteria is supposedly cut down by putting on a pair of gloves.

While travelling, the members of the royal family pack black outfits with them in case they have to attend an “emergency funeral”. Owing to the grandiosity of royal family events, be it weddings or funerals, carrying a mourning ensemble becomes important. And black colour is the colour of grief as well as protest.

Given the fact that royal families across the world were born out of patriarchy, most of their rules—including how a woman should dress—are authoritative in nature. For instance, she would make her daughters-inlaw wear skirts over pants since skirts are ‘feminine’. In addition, skirts above the knee are not allowed in the name of decency.

One of the most bizarre and perhaps unexplainable rules is that the queen doesn’t approve of coloured nail polishes, only nude tones are allowed.

The infamous Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, h a s time a n d a g a i n broken all of these codes.

She has worn pants over skirts,

and o n m a n y occasions, she has worn denimsomethings—prohibited in the royal family. This has led

to loyalists criticising Meghan for her disregard of rules In a century where the world has accepted democracy as a form of governance, the concept of monarchy largely remains on paper. However, it is surprising to see that most of the arc h a i c

rules s t i l l h o l d a place.

Women like Meghan Markle and Princess Diana, set an example for the future generations. ayndrila.b@iijnm.org

Can we lie in bed for no reason at all?

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A society driven by profit at present times has changed the way one experiences leisure, writes Simran Sharma

aking regular breaks makes 21- year old Vinaya go on a guilt trip. Not working, even for a short time,makes her feel worthless. While lying in bed and watching random videos on YouTube, she thinks of the hours she hasn’t worked since morning. Within a fraction of seconds, her relaxed mind turns into a Formula 21 where a gazillion thoughts rush in. Dejected, she bounces back to sleep, only to get up again and feeling unproductive once again.

Constantly not feeling like doing enough, having low self confidence, and living with a consistent fear of wasting time, is what experts call the ‘leisure guilt.

The psychological phenomenon is not a foreign concept and has existed since the very beginning of a capitalistic world.

The pandemic had worsened the situation for some people.

Apeksha Priya, a journalism student in Bengaluru had also experienced something similar during the lockdown. “With nothing much to do, I had started with doodling to keep my mind busy but then my parents used to tell me that I am just wasting my time. I used to feel a lot more guilty thereafter,” she said.Priya suffers from chronic anxiety.

Always being productive is the

Many people feel guilt after they spend their time in leisure, likewise lying in bed for no reason, watching movies, listening songs, doodling and other things | Courtesy: Pexels new flex for a capitalistic world.

If a person fails to be productive in a way society demands them to be, it makes them feel unvalued.

People often derive their value from the output of the work they put in on a daily basis.

Mrunmayee Kulkarni, a trainee journalist in Bengaluru holds similar views. “I am quite a competitive person, so it is very difficult for me to take regular breaks. Even when I am having migraine and I am compelled to rest for it to subside, I just cannot relax.It feels that I am not valuable as a person if I am not doing something all the time,” she expressed her thoughts.

Kulkarni believes that capitalism is the sole reason behind this psychological behaviour. The more people produce, in terms of money and work, she says, the more they are valued.

A research performed by the Ohio State Universitysays that leisure is no longer a positive concept among people who think of it as a waste of time. The study conducted a series of experiments on groups of people.

The outcome showed that people who saw leisure as a futile activity were unhappy and had high stress and anxiety levels.

This tendency of trying to be productive all the time impacts

mental health adversely, suggests study. One of the researchers also found out that people tend to be more satisfied while engaging in leisure activities when there is an end goal or aim to achieve for the people.

Kashish Sharma, a young woman in Bengaluru, shared her uncomfortable relationship with leisure. She loves to watch Netflix and do random things that makes her happy. No matter how much she tries, all this come with a pinch of guilt to her.

She even shared that many a times she would waste an entire day doing nothing rather than doing something that means lei-

sure for her. She does this just to avoid that overwhelming feeling of guilt of wasting her time.

Watching a movie, listening to songs, makes Sahil Choudhary, a coder working in Bengaluru, feel lost and empty. “I couldn’t watch a single movie last year because every time I used to start a movie, guilt used to creep in.”

On asked if they could lie on the bed in the peak of the day with no good reason at all, most of them said that they couldn’t do it without a convincing excuse. Most of them come up with dialogues like “I didn’t sleep last night so I need to take rest” or “a powernap will make me fresh for work”.

Psychologist Shakun Batra said that leisure guilt is quite widespread among people. The psychological behaviour, she says, has a lot to do with the work culture. The concept of productivity, she says, is institutionalized in our mind. Anything that is not productive, she says, will trouble people.

People often believe that constant work makes them productive and if they fail to do so, they would lose value in society. Today we live in a world where lying in bed for no reason at all is a luxury of time. simran.s@iijnm.org