SHOCKING: No takers for India’s first mobile testing lab for COVID-19

mobile testing lab

By Zahid H Javali While a three-van setup was given by IISc-incubated firm ShanMukha Innovations to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) in August, there is no demand for more units. While various state governments are giving a letter of intent to take care of the operational costs that are about Rs 5 … Read more

How to segregate your domestic waste and avoid being fined

waste segregation

By Qamar ZJ The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) made garbage segregation mandatory in 2017. However, visitors to the city are unaware of the rules, leading to largescale violations. This has prompted the BBMP garbage contractors to publicise the three types of waste segregation required by law. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you could … Read more

BMTC buses on ORR carry your bikes too; cyclists thrilled

BMTC bus

By Qamar ZJ BMTC is one government organization in Bengaluru that is always trying out new things. While some measures might appear way ahead of their time, the effort is laudable. Take the idea of carrying cycles on buses on an external rig under the windshield. Nine years ago, some Volvo buses had this facility, … Read more

COVID-19: How garbage is collected from quarantined homes in Bengaluru

Biobag

By Qamar ZJ When COVID-19 began, all the houses within 100 metres of the quarantined home were being disinfected. Besides, barricades were placed on both sides of the road to indicate the containment zone. However, 45 days ago, this procedure was modified. There are no more barricades. Only the house that is under home quarantine … Read more

Bengaluru malls continue to record low footfall despite precautions & concessions

Bengaluru malls continue to record low footfall despite precautions & concessions 1

By Ritika Srivatsan Although it is over three months since the government allowed the malls to reopen, they still lie deserted and silent, despite taking adequate precautions and offering concessions, such as a lower parking fee. Disinfection tunnels, clockwise walking paths and cheaper parking Malls and specifically, stores and restaurants inside them, are great places … Read more

COVID-19 and beyond: One frontline warrior reveals all about medicare

Dr Oliver Rodrigues

By Zahid H Javali Dr Oliver E Rodrigues is a frontline warrior for the underprivileged in Bangalore. After graduating in medicine (MBBS) from St John’s Medical College, Bangalore, he completed his post graduation in family medicine from CMC, Vellore. He has been in rural private practice since 2006. Besides, he takes care of patients in … Read more

E-learning: How Some Bengaluru Teachers Are Grinning and Bearing it!

e-learning

By Ritika Srivatsan E-learning has impacted not only students as we have reported earlier but also teachers who are adapting to the learning curve. In March, many thought of online learning as temporary. However, after nearly seven months of remote lessons, e-learning is here to stay, and so are its implications. Teachers feel this year … Read more

Beware of the WhatsApp chain link scam

whatsapp scams

By Zahid H Javali Beware of the WhatsApp chain link scam. It appears to be a helpful message of how you can win money, gifts, and rewards for just clicking on a link. However, when you do that, what really happens is a game of data harvesting, and generating traffic to a website that does … Read more

Lockdown adoptions: Hamsters spin the wheel!

hamster

By Qamar ZJ During COVID-19, pet owners have risen in number. And hamsters are proving to be particularly popular as they are low-maintenance and can take care of themselves in their all-purpose cage with a spinning wheel for company. This particular video of a hamster on his own treadmill of sorts will win many hearts. … Read more

How to preserve car battery and prevent starting trouble during COVID-19

preserving car battery

By Zahid H Javali Lockdowns, road and footpath works in residential areas, and long relocations and vacations can drain your car’s battery. The problem can be to such an extent that you cannot start your car the next day. What do you do to prevent draining your vehicle’s battery? The short answer is in this … Read more

E-learning: How some students are finding it tough in Bengaluru!

E-learning

By Ritika Srivatsan Online classes are wreaking havoc on the lives of some students, impacting mental health, grades and future options. Many fear this year will significantly affect the rest of their lives and continue to haunt them long after the pandemic is over. The United States was one of the first countries to reopen … Read more

SPOT CHECK: A Metro Ride After Reopening

Bangalore Metro

Stations taking great precaution, but negligible footfall By Ritika Srivatsan Namma Metro has now begun operating both Purple (Baiyyappanahalli-Mysore Road) and Green lines after a five-month hiatus. The Nagasandra-Yelachenahalli (Green line) stretch became functional yesterday; joining its counterpart which began working three days ago. Increased security, handsfree thermal screening and smartcards Security staff donning personal … Read more