Category: Awareness

Autorickshaw Unions’ Rampage: A Menace to Bengaluru’s Law and Order

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru recently witnessed an alarming spectacle of lawlessness and a blatant disregard for public safety at the hands of autorickshaw drivers affiliated with unions. Unleashing chaos upon the city streets, these drivers crossed all boundaries by orchestrating a violent assault on the Rapido office, while also wreaking havoc on autorickshaws. Shockingly, they brazenly documented their acts of destruction on social media, flaunting their criminal behavior for the world to see. This audacious incident took place during broad daylight, right in the heart of a bustling market, shedding light on the dangerous extremes these drivers are willing to go to safeguard their outdated monopoly and quash any semblance of competition.

The catalyst for this abhorrent display of violence was Rapido’s noble initiative to enhance passenger safety by installing seat belts in their autorickshaws. Rather than appreciating and supporting this commendable endeavor to protect the lives of riders and passengers, the autorickshaw unions responded with a disturbing outburst of anger and hostility. Stubbornly clinging to their archaic ways, they view any change or alternative as an existential threat to their livelihood, callously disregarding the evolving demands of the city’s residents.

The autorickshaw unions have long harbored resentment towards the burgeoning popularity of bike-taxis in Bengaluru. Driven by their unwarranted fear of losing market share, these unions consistently exhibit audacity and a complete disregard for law and order. They obstinately oppose any form of competition, even when presented with alternative transportation modes that offer regulated, convenient, and affordable services to the public. This blatant prioritization of their own self-interests over the well-being and convenience of the city’s commuters is deeply disheartening.

Following the assault, a petitioner by the name of Mr. Reddy Prasad lodged a formal complaint at the HSR Layout police station stating that the company was doing a csr program on road safety with auto drivers who operate on our App. As part of that initiative, we were distributing seat belts, rain curtains for autos and charging points. During the activity few members of bangalore sarathi sene auto union, forcefully entered the campaign activity and started threatening the company employees. The employees were beaten and threatened for life. Thereafter the said mob of auto union stole the seat belts, auto side curtains and chargers from our employees custody.

Astonishingly, the attackers not only vandalized autorickshaw property but also shamelessly looted side curtains and seat belts, all while displaying a complete disregard for the repercussions of their actions. To compound the situation, they boldly showcased their deeds on social media platforms, brazenly challenging the authority of the police and the rule of law.

This incident marks yet another instance where autorickshaw drivers have taken the law into their own hands in Bengaluru. Despite the incident being live-streamed and ample evidence being available, the police have inexplicably failed to take swift action against the perpetrators. The concerning delay of 24 hours in apprehending those responsible casts serious doubts on the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintaining law and order in the city.

The recent attack by autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru represents a perilous trend of lawlessness and intimidation. Motivated by their fear of competition and an unwavering desire to maintain their dominance, these drivers pose a significant threat to the safety and progress of the city. It is imperative that the authorities swiftly and decisively respond to these acts of violence, ensuring that they are met with the full force of justice. The people of Bengaluru deserve a safe and efficient public transportation system that places their well-being above the narrow interests of a few unruly individuals.

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Narayana Murthy says “Every startup should have only one leader, not multiple leaders,” at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru, July 10th 2023 | Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys, took the floor at Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023 to speak in a candid conversation with his son, Rohan Murthy, Founder of Soroco.

 

The IIT alumnus was asked why he chose to become an entrepreneur. He answered, “Because I believe the only way society can remove its poverty is through the power of entrepreneurship, creating jobs, translating ideas into jobs, translating ideas into wealth, and enhancing taxes paid to the government.”

 

When asked to list key attributes of entrepreneurs, he highlighted, “They must have the power of imagination. They must be comfortable with innovation, with doing something unusual. Passion fuels your energy, enthusiasm, and ability to achieve the target, and for this, the leader must have an articulated value system.”

 

The next key step for any nascent business is hiring talent. He recommended, “My focus was on competence. Without that, nothing will happen. The second is the value system. In the beginning, everybody has to trust everybody else implicitly. The only thing the employees have are your words. For this, you must be authentic. When employees work as a team, in unison, there is a high probability of people buying into your vision, and that vision must have something in it for everybody.”

 

On devising leadership and organizational structure, he suggests, “Every startup company must have only one leader. There cannot be two or three leaders. Just one leader.” He adds, “Once the managerial phase comes in, you invite managers to create systems and processes, establish protocols, invite independent directors, and have a good governance mechanism.”

Crippling uncertainty and self-doubt are common among all startup founders. Addressing pathways to tackle that, Mr. Narayana Murthy shares how he felt when his company went public, “When we went public, we were worried about whether we would do well or not.” For navigating times when things get tough at the office and at home, he suggested, “You should not panic. During uncertain times, I would crack jokes in the office and talk to them about how other people have gone through such times as well, and how God is with us. Sometimes, logic doesn’t suffice. There are moments when one must transcend logic, embrace faith, and believe in God.”

 

Reminiscing about his roots, he elaborated on how selecting a career pathway wasn’t as parent-regulated back then as it is today. He said, “Back then, they didn’t ask us ‘what are you going to do.’ Somehow, that environment gave us much freedom. Acknowledging his wife’s pivotal role during the early stages of building his business, Mr. Murthy expressed his gratitude for Mrs. Sudha Murthy, present at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023. He shares, “My wife stood by me when my colleagues were unsupportive.”

 

The session also included Mrs. Murthy sharing her perspective as the first angel investor in Murthy’s life. She shares the anecdote, “Living with a successful man can be extremely challenging. They are not ordinary individuals; they possess eccentricities and lack conventional logic at home, reserving it solely for the office. These accomplished individuals often have sky-high expectations, requiring their partners to juggle multiple roles simultaneously.” She adds, “They expect their partners to be a wife, secretary, finance manager, nanny, advisor, and assume various other responsibilities. Failing in any one of these roles can have a profound negative impact on their well-being.”

 

A number of budding startups present at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023 sought Murthy’s perspective on the principle of good governance, to which he suggested, “Put the interest of the community ahead of your personal interest, in the short and mid-run, and you will emerge a winner in the long term. It is a philosophy that you either have or you don’t.

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Bengaluru Bikers Join Hands to Raise Awareness About Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Donation

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

DKMS-BMST organized the “Two Wheels, One Mission” bike ride rally to spread the Lifesaving Message

BENGALURU, JUNE 17, 2023: In an effort to raise awareness about blood cancer and encourage people to register as stem cell donors, DKMS BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer and bleod disorders, organized a bike rally on Saturday Passionate bikers dressed in vibrant red T-shirts gathered in indiranagar to actively participate in this impactful event.

Over 50 enthusiastic motorcyclists participated in the rally, which started from the DKMS-BMST office on CMH Road, Indiranagar, and concluded at Alliance Frangaise de Bangalore, near Kanteerva Stadium. The rally route covered significant landmarks such as Vidhan Soudha Cubbon Park, and Kanteerva Stadium, effectively spreading awareness about the scarcity of blood stem cell donors in India.

Prominent motorbike influencers such as Practical Kannadiga, Typical Kannadiga, KA 09 rider and Gowtham Naidu actively joined the rally and registered themselves as potential donors

“As avid bikers, we believe in the power of the pedal and the strength of the community Our exhilarating journeys to enchanting destinations across India have always brought us joy

Collaborating with DKMS-BMST for this bike rally allows us to combine our love for riding with a noble cause and raise awareness to support those fighting blood cancers,” expressed influencer Practical Kannadiga.

Stem cell transplantation can treat life-threatening blood cancer and blood disorders such as Thalassemia and Aplastic Anemia. For the transplant to succeed, patients need an HLA (tissue type) matched donor. The main challenge the Indian patients face is the critical shortage of blood stem cell donors in the donor pool. The chances for an Indian patient to find a matching donor are one in a million. Currently, over one lakh patients eagerly await potential life-saving heroes

Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India, emphasized the urgent need to address the lack of stem cell donors in India. He encouraged the youth to register as potential donors, stating “This is the first time we have organized such a rally in Bengaluru. By joining us in this rally, the youth have taken a significant step in spreading the vital message of stem cell donation. Educating youngsters is pivotal in dispelling myths surrounding stem cell donation and encouraging them to come forward. Providing accurate information and debunking misconceptions that hinder potential donors is crucial. By empowering more young individuals with the right knowledge, we can inspire a new generation of donors and save countless lives. It all starts with you. Together, we can provide hope to those fighting blood cancer and other blood disorders”

Motorbike influencer Typical Kannadiga expressed his honor in joining forces with DKMS-BMST for the bike rally, combining their love for riding with a cause that truly matters. He firmly believes that they have the ability to inspire others to become potential lifesavers and make a difference in the fight against blood cancer.

Another motorbike influencer, KA_09_rider, emphasized the powerful union between the biking community and the fight against blood cancer. He expressed his determination to push limits conquer challenges, and demonstrate that their wheels symbolize hope

Geeky Akassh, a motorbike influencer, expressed his gratitude for collaborating with DKMS-BMST to raise awareness about blood cancer. He felt fortunate to ride for a cause that spreads hope and saves lives.

So far, DKMS BMST Foundation India has registered over 90,000 stem cell donors in the country and facilitated 90 transplants so far, significantly impacting the fight against blood cancer. The organization aims to register numerous donors in India and worldwide to give a second chance at life to as many patients as possible.

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Revolutionizing Waste Management in Bangalore: Mondelez India’s WoW Boards Make a Green Impact

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

India, June 5th, 2023: In India, one of the most pressing challenges that continues to impede sustainable waste management practices is the recycling of multi-layered packaging. This issue has gained significant attention due to the inherent complexity of packaging materials and the existing infrastructural constraints within the country. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, companies are taking proactive steps to reduce their environmental impact and pave the way for a brighter future. One key area of focus is recycling initiatives.

Mondelez India is steadfast in its commitment to creating snacks that cater to consumer needs while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. In collaboration with Hasiru Dala and TrashCon in 2021, Mondelez embarked on an innovative project aimed at transforming multi-layer plastic waste into 'WoW Boards' – a sustainable alternative to traditional plywood. These revolutionary WoW Boards have proven to be versatile and environmentally friendly, offering numerous applications that contribute to sustainable practices.

Ophira Bhatia, Senior Director, India & Lead, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), Corporate & Government Affairs, Mondelez International said, “As we navigate the challenges of recycling multi-layered plastics within the constraints, we recognize the need for bold experimentation and support for innovative solutions. Our pioneering pilot project stands as a testament to this resolve, as we transform multi-layered plastics into WoW Boards - a sustainable and durable alternative to conventional plywood. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Hasiru Dala and TrashCon for their invaluable collaboration and expertise. With these strategic partnerships and initiatives, Mondelez India remains steadfast in its mission to foster positive change and contribute to a more sustainable future. “

Since the initiation of this project, Mondelez India has successfully converted approximately 600 tons of MLT tons of plastic. Furthermore, the deployment of WoW (Waste out of Waste) Boards in various locations across the city of Bangalore has witnessed numerous successful use cases and applications, bringing about positive change and practical solutions to waste management challenges. Noteworthy applications include the creation of benches and tables supplied to four schools, namely Govt School, Siddarth Nagar, Govt School, MS Palya, RKS School, Jolly Mohalla, and Karnataka Public School, Sarakki. These durable and sustainable furniture pieces not only provide functional seating and workspace for students but also exemplify the principles of effective waste management and environmental consciousness. Furthermore, WoW Boards have played a crucial role in the renovation of the shelter at Swachhagraha Kalika Kendra, replacing tetra pack sheets used for the existing roofs. This upgrade not only enhances the structural integrity of the shelter but also showcases the potential of WoW Boards as a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

In addition, the versatility of WoW Boards is being showcased through their use in designing furniture for the Swachhagraha Kalika Kendra. By incorporating these boards into the center's furnishings, Mondelez India is effectively demonstrating to a broader audience the importance of responsible waste management practices and the possibilities of upcycling. The brand is also taking a step further by designing a living space at the City Armed Reserve (CAR) campus in Adugodi. This facility will accommodate workers at the waste management facility, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind within the city's Police department. As part of the Mondelēz International’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, it is addressing the biggest sustainability challenges relevant to its business, which includes plastics pollution.

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Royal Enfield joins hands with Nation Commission for Women to drive awareness on Women Safety and Gender Equality

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bangalore, March 20, 2023: In an attempt to create a safe space and a gender-neutral society, Royal Enfield partnered with NCW (Nation Commission for Women) and State Police Department for a Gender Equality and Women Safety Awareness Ride in light of International Women’s Day. With more than 50 riders, and customers, on Saturday, March 18, Royal Enfield conducted this special ride in Bangalore to sensitize all genders against harassment and spread awareness on women’s safety. The women Police officials from the Bangalore Police Department also joined the ride.

The ride was flagged off from the  Royal Enfield Brand Store by Ms. Pramila Naidu, Chairperson, Karnataka State Women Commission. The convoy of riders rode with Stickers and flags on their motorcycles and carried posters, placards, and stickers to show their support for the cause and spread awareness on their way. As part of the programme, the contingent of Royal Enfield riders along with members of the police rode to the LCR School in Bangalore. There they engaged with groups of women, sharing experiences and sensitising them on the need for greater safety and security of women. The group also created posters to highlight the need for and promote awareness for Women’s Safety and visited colleges where they put these posters up.

Women’s safety awareness in India has been a pressing issue for years. Due to the increasing number of cases of sexual harassment and assault, women have become increasingly cautious about their safety in the city. The Delhi government and various NGOs have taken several initiatives to create awareness about women’s safety, such as setting up helplines, conducting self-defence classes, and installing CCTV cameras in public places. To lend a hand in supporting this cause and spreading awareness among the youth, Royal Enfield, in collaboration with the NCW, brought together its riding community of women riders, encouraging and empowering other women through the ride.

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