Yaakay Bar & Canteen – A Cheerful Neighbourhood Retreat That Feels Unmistakably Bengaluru

Sahakar Nagar has a new reason to stay out a little longer. Yaakay Bar & Canteen, the latest offering from Byg Ventures, arrives with a clear promise: good food, honest drinks, and a setting that feels like the city you know and love. And it delivers — effortlessly.

The moment you step in, Yaakay wraps you in Bengaluru’s familiar warmth. The space is cheerful without being loud, with playful local phrases splashed across the walls that instantly spark a smile. It doesn’t try to impress with theatrics; instead, it charms with its simplicity, comfort and lived-in feel — much like the neighbourhood bars many Bengalureans grew up around.

The food is where Yaakay truly shines. The Special Shevige Chicken Biryani is a fragrant, hearty plate that stands firmly on its own — no gimmicks, just strong flavour. The Naati Koli Curry offers the kind of rustic heat that lingers pleasantly, while the Kothu Parota is indulgent and deeply satisfying. The runaway star, however, is the Rebel Star Mutton Fry — bold, rich and crafted with unmistakable local flair. Vegetarian diners aren’t forgotten either, with dishes like Jackfruit Seed Ghee Roast and Nati Mushroom Curry holding their ground with confidence.

Drinks are refreshingly fuss-free and pocket-friendly, staying loyal to the city’s easy drinking culture. You come here to unwind, not to decode a mixology thesis — and that simplicity is the point.

What sets Yaakay apart is its authenticity. It doesn’t pretend to be a “concept space.” It feels like a place where friends meet after work, where families enjoy a relaxed dinner, and where everyone — from anna to macha — finds a corner to settle into.

In a city flooded with curated experiences and overstyled spaces, Yaakay is a welcome return to the basics: familiar flavours, a friendly bar, and an atmosphere that invites you to stay a little longer. Sahakar Nagar has gained a neighbourhood favourite, and Bengaluru has earned another easy-going hangout that feels instantly like home.

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12th Annual “Drivers’ Day” to be Celebrated on Nov 9 – Actress Rachita Ram Named “Auto Ambassador”

Bengaluru: The 12th annual “Drivers’ Day” will be celebrated on November 9 at Shalini Grounds, Jayanagar 5th Block, marking the birth anniversary of late actor Shankar Nag. The event will be graced by Adichunchanagiri Mutt Seer, Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji.

Raghu N. Narayan Gowda, President of the Peace Auto and Taxi Drivers Union, announced that actress Rachita Ram has been chosen as the “Auto Ambassador” for this year. Senior, women, and honest drivers will be honoured with gold medals.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Dr. C.S. Ashwath Narayan, and Dr. M.A. Saleem are among the dignitaries expected to attend. Driver associations have urged the government to officially declare Shankar Nag’s birthday as “Drivers’ Day.”

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ITC Hotels Crowned World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation 2025

ITC Hotels Named World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation at WSTHA 2025

Indian hospitality brand dominates WSTHA with four global awards for Responsible Luxury leadership

Bengaluru, November 6, 2025: ITC Hotels Limited has been named the World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation 2025 at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The group also won three other major global titles — World’s Leading Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiative, World’s Leading Sustainable Marketing Campaign, and World’s Leading Sustainable Employer — making it the only organisation to bag four top honours this year.

The recognition highlights ITC Hotels’ commitment to its Responsible Luxury philosophy, which integrates sustainability, wellness, and community impact across its operations. Winners were chosen through a four-step process involving nominations, expert evaluation by the Sustainable Business Institute, review by the WSTHA Advisory Board, and global voting.

Speaking about the honour, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said, “This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainability and excellence can go together. Responsible Luxury inspires us to lead with purpose and create experiences that contribute to a better, more sustainable world.”

The awards were presented in collaboration with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), which represents over 66,000 hotels and 300 brands globally. H.C. Vinayaka, Vice President – Technical Services, EHS & Sustainability, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “These honours motivate us to keep innovating towards a net-positive future and reflect our team’s dedication to sustainability.”

Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of WSHA, lauded ITC Hotels’ achievement, calling it “a powerful example of purpose-driven leadership that sets a global benchmark for sustainable hospitality.” Justin Cooke, Executive Vice President of WSTHA, added, “Winning four awards in one night shows that Responsible Luxury is more than a concept — it delivers tangible results through guest satisfaction, environmental gains, and commercial success.”

Launched at COP28 in Dubai, the WSTHA recognises excellence in climate action, biodiversity, community engagement, and responsible tourism. The 2025 awards ceremony was held on October 29 at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City Dubai, providing ITC Hotels a global platform to showcase its leadership in sustainable hospitality.

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Zomato, Blinkit Launch Drive to Help Delivery Partners Access Welfare Schemes 

Over 6,000 partners registered since April; Bengaluru hosts first facilitation camp

Bengaluru, November 6, 2025: Zomato and Blinkit, companies under the Eternal group, have launched a nationwide initiative to help delivery partners access central and state government welfare schemes. The campaign, in collaboration with social enterprise Haqdarshak, began with the first Government Scheme Facilitation Camp in Bengaluru. 

The event was inaugurated by Dr. G. Manjunath, Additional Labour Commissioner, Government of Karnataka. Since its launch in April 2025, the initiative has enabled over 6,000 delivery partners to register for various schemes across India, unlocking benefits worth more than ₹150 crore. In Bengaluru alone, more than 280 partners enrolled during the camp, taking the city’s total to over 1,000 beneficiaries

Delivery partners have shown interest in schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, e-Shram, Ration Cards, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and the Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme. Many are choosing multiple insurance options, combining health, life, and accident coverage for better protection. 

Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Eternal, said, “The wellbeing of delivery partners is central to our efforts. These camps bridge the gap between workers and the schemes meant to secure their futures.” 

Manoj Joshi, Vice President (Product) at Haqdarshak, added, “Our collaboration with Zomato and Blinkit is making welfare access simpler through digital and human support.” 

Similar camps are planned in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi in the coming weeks.

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Laksha Deepotsava Held at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matt for Universal Well-Being

Bengaluru:
A grand Laksha Deepotsava dedicated to the welfare of the world was celebrated with devotion and splendour at the Nanjanagoodu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matt in Jayanagar 5th Block. The event was organised under the divine guidance and blessings of His Holiness Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, and led by the Matt’s senior administrator, Sri R.K. Vadheendra Acharya.

Marking the auspicious occasion of Karthika Purnima, the temple premises were beautifully decorated with flowers and illuminated by thousands of lamps, symbolising prayers for global peace and prosperity. According to priest Sri Nandakishore Acharya, devotees offered special prayers and lit lamps as part of their spiritual resolve, seeking the blessings of Sri Guru Raghavendra for the well-being of all.

Thousands of devotees and volunteers participated with deep reverence, receiving the holy prasada after the ritual.
The event also saw the presence of the Matt’s religious head Sri Krishna Gundacharya, the team of archakas, staff members, and several prominent devotees who collectively contributed to the success of the sacred celebration.

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