Latest news with #BBS
Mint
5 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Learning to ride a bicycle as an adult
Gift this article "This is what we call the death grip," Parag Patankar, the volunteer guiding me, said, not unkindly. He was right. Unconsciously, my arms had become ramrod stiff and I was holding the bicycle handlebars tightly, as if for dear life. My feet were firmly planted on the ground but I was a bundle of nerves as I sat astride the bicycle and viewed the gentle slope I was to go down with trepidation. "This is what we call the death grip," Parag Patankar, the volunteer guiding me, said, not unkindly. He was right. Unconsciously, my arms had become ramrod stiff and I was holding the bicycle handlebars tightly, as if for dear life. My feet were firmly planted on the ground but I was a bundle of nerves as I sat astride the bicycle and viewed the gentle slope I was to go down with trepidation. When other people turn 40, they set glamorous targets like running a marathon or going on an arduous trek. I decided to learn to ride a bicycle—child's play for those who know it but no less intimidating than summiting a mountain for adults like me who don't. Unlike driving, formalised avenues for adults to learn cycling are not aplenty. Online searches led me to Bangalore Bicycling School (BBS), a completely volunteer-led effort to teach adults how to cycle for free. It was an initiative which, I learnt later, was completing a decade this year. I messaged the phone number mentioned on the Facebook page, filled up a Google form and showed up at 8am on a Sunday at the designated spot in Bengaluru's Cubbon Park. That phone number belonged to Dr Ali Poonawala, a 68-year-old urologist and one of the moving spirits behind BBS. The wiry doctor will invariably be at Cubbon Park on Sunday mornings, as he has been for the last 10 years, guiding both the adults and children. Also read: Finding the music that you love BBS, he says, came about somewhat organically, a culmination of multiple factors. One was the 'Cycle Day" organised by Karnataka government's Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) around 2012-13, where a street would be cordoned off for cycling and other street activities. There, Dr Poonawala and a few fellow cycling enthusiasts noticed that there were adults who wanted to cycle but had never learnt. Around the same time, DULT also facilitated free cycle rentals in Cubbon Park to promote the activity. BBS kicked off lessons with those cycles. In those early days there would be the occasional Sunday when it would be just Dr Poonawala, the bicycles and a couple of banners donated by DULT. But he persisted. Dr Poonawala's resolve to teach adults was strengthened by something he had noticed while on holiday in Kodaikanal, where families would rent cycles near the lake. 'The father and children would go off on cycles, while the mother would be left behind. I would feel upset because that's not how it should be—everyone should be cycling together." What he had seen was yet another reflection of the gender gap in cycling in India. According to Census 2011, only 4.7% women used bicycles to commute compared to 21.7% men, among the working population. Another analysis of cycling internationally found that on average, 'females were one-tenth as likely to cycle compared to males in Indian cities". The learner demographic at BBS also bears this out. Patankar, the instructor I first met and a regular volunteer, estimates that 80-90% of students are women. 'We've tried asking why. What we've seen is, some women just did not get the chance to learn when they were young—perhaps no one in the family thought it was important to teach them. If they had male siblings, the boys went out and learnt from their friends," says Patankar who, in true Bengaluru tradition, is also the co-founder of a software product firm. Other volunteers include professionals spanning software, real estate and finance sectors. Reflecting on his comment later, I realised this was true for me, too—my brother learnt to cycle from his friends while I did not. Patankar broadly categorises the adult students into three. Those over 50 for whom learning to ride is typically a bucket list goal. Those aged 30-50, whose motivation may be fitness, for errands in the vicinity or to join family and friends who ride. And those below 30, who plan to graduate to a scooter. On his part, Dr Poonawala describes a typical learner as someone aged 35-40. 'She feels she's been left out, looks online and finds us." Again, me. Regardless of the category, Patankar says BBS provides a safe space. The need for this was again reinforced by Dr Poonawala's personal experience, when his wife, Dr Fatima, wanted to learn cycling over a decade ago. 'I felt I was missing out on a lot of fun because he loves cycling," says the 67-year-old who adds it took her several sessions, multiple trainers and cycles till that 'eureka moment" when she could do it on her own. Dr Poonawala jokes that husbands are the worst teachers but the experience, he says, taught him that adult learners need a safe, non-judgemental space. The group has developed training manuals and a teaching process that continues to evolve. The biggest hurdle for an adult learner, as I can personally aver, is the fear of falling. 'That fear grows as the person gets older," says Dr Poonawala. Unlike children, adults can also come with other inhibitions and, possibly, baggage involving previous attempts. I had mine. The last time I tried to learn, I accidentally bumped into a senior citizen, leaving both of us traumatised. It was only in my recent conversations that I found out that my then trainer, Anil Kadsur, was one of the founders of BBS who, unfortunately, died a year ago. It somehow felt right that I was trying again with something he had helped launch. Despite their inhibitions, learners keep turning up—including women in their 60s. On a phone call, Annapoorni (she requested that only her first name be used), who is now 74 and describes herself as a 'health freak", recalls feeling nervous on the way to her first lesson. Acquaintances who heard about her derring-do questioned why the then 66-year-old wanted to learn 'at this age". But within three-four sessions and despite a fall, she learnt to ride. 'I was over the moon," she says, the excitement in her voice palpable even eight years later. Other memorable alumni include a group of women working in garment factories, who were taught in an initiative with Greenpeace. However, Dr Poonawala regrets that there were no follow-ups on the non-profit's part about whether the women continue to ride. In general, tracking whether learners keep cycling has been a challenge. 'Of the thousands who have gone through BBS training, what fraction would be riding regularly? I struggle with this question," says Patankar, who estimates it would be a small share who cycle even once a month. Dr Poonawala says the lack of follow-up is a criticism levelled against them but adds that the volunteers have their limitations. With classes only on Sunday mornings, a cherished time, there is also a churn among trainers. Attempts to replicate the model in other parts of the city have typically not endured for longer than a year because of this. Currently, about three-four instructors come every Sunday from 8-10am, to assist 10-15 learners at various stages. Dr Poonawala and Patankar say they persist out of their passion for cycling and to 'increase their tribe". It helps that some alumni also volunteer. Among them is Aman Sabherwal, a 35-year-old finance professional. On a visit to Cubbon Park, she was convinced by Patankar to get on a bicycle for the first time since she was in an accident when she was six years old. Sabherwal says she volunteers whenever she can. 'That feeling of seeing others riding freely on their own and that smile on their faces makes me happy," she says. I know that smile. It's the same one I flashed towards the end of that first session when I found, to my utter surprise and elation, that I was finally riding a bicycle, all by myself. Indulekha Aravind is an independent journalist. She posts @indulekha_a. Also read: 'I Am on the Hit List': A deep dive into Gauri Lankesh's murder Topics You May Be Interested In
Fibre2Fashion
28-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Bangladesh economy grows 3.97% in FY25, lowest since pandemic-hit FY20
Bangladesh's gross domestic product (GDP) growth in fiscal 2024-25 (FY25) was 3.97 per cent, the lowest since the pandemic-hit FY20, provisional data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) revealed. The FY25 GDP size was estimated at Tk 55.527 trillion (~$462 billion). Bangladesh's GDP growth in FY25 was 3.97 per cent, the lowest since the pandemic-hit FY20, provisional official data revealed. The GDP size was estimated at $462 billion. The lower GDP growth aligns with earlier projections made by the IMF (3.76 per cent), the ADB (3.9 per cent) and the World Bank (3.3 per cent) for FY25. They cited persistent economic challenges as reasons for lower projections. The economy has faced a significant slowdown in this fiscal, with agriculture, industry and services all recording slower growths of 1.79 per cent (3.30 per cent in FY24), 4.34 per cent (3.51 per cent in FY24) and 4.51 per cent respectively. The government's initial FY25 GDP growth target was 6.75 per cent, which was revised later to 5.25 per cent. The lower GDP growth aligns with earlier projections made by the International Monetary Fund (3.76 per cent), the Asian Development Bank (3.9 per cent) and the World Bank (3.3 per cent) for FY25. They cited persistent economic challenges as reasons for lower projections. However, per capita income rose to $2,820 in this fiscal from $2,738 in FY24. Meanwhile, the investment-to-GDP ratio in FY25 was 29.39 per cent, down from 30.7 per cent in the last fiscal. Economists and policymakers cite several factors, including stubbornly high inflation and a large share of default loans with banks, contributing to this situation, according to a domestic media outlet. Moreover, a general climate of uncertainty, coupled with tighter monetary and fiscal policies, has dampened investment sentiment, which is evident in the slower growth of private sector credit. Disruptions in supply chains and import restrictions have weakened industrial activities and contributed to price pressures as well. The lower GDP growth is expected to further erode real incomes and suppress consumption, particularly among low-income groups, potentially pushing more people into extreme poverty. It translates into fewer employment opportunities as well. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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First Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
Bangladesh: 86% women in 2.1 mn job loss, can Yunus deliver where Hasina did?
Once a global symbol of women's empowerment, Yunus now presides over a decline in employment of women in Bangladesh read more In recent years, the narrative around women's economic participation in Bangladesh has appeared encouraging on the surface. Official data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) claims a notable increase in female labour force participation, from 36.3 per cent five years ago to 42.68 per cent in 2022. Particularly in rural areas, where the participation rate exceeds 50 per cent, this suggests a nation steadily progressing toward greater gender parity in employment, according to BBS figures released on March 29, 2025. Yet, a deeper look into the quality, sustainability and truth behind these figures tells a starkly different story. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to an analysis by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the actual participation rate of women in economic activity may be closer to 19 per cent. This dramatic discrepancy raises crucial questions about how labour force participation is measured, what constitutes employment and who is left out of official tallies. At the same time, a recent loss of 2.1 million jobs in the first half of the fiscal year— with women accounting for nearly 86 per cent of those losses— has exposed the fragility and superficial nature of women's inclusion in the economy, as highlighted during an event titled Advancing Gender-Responsive Budgeting and FfD4 Outcome organised by Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh and UN Women Bangladesh, The Daily Star reported. A shift in leadership and the waning of women's gains Bangladesh made significant strides in including women in its economy during Sheikh Hasina's time as prime minister. Her government introduced policies focussing on women, expanded social safety nets and promoted female employment in sectors like garments, microfinance and education. Initiatives to support rural female entrepreneurs and reduce child marriage were also more noticeable and measurable under her leadership. Ironically, when Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner known for empowering rural women through microfinance, became the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, progress for women in the labour market did not continue as expected. Despite his global reputation, employment indicators worsened, NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates rose, and safe overseas job opportunities for women declined. This suggests a disconnect between symbolic leadership and effective policy execution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yunus's administration has faced challenges, including youth unemployment, economic instability and a loss of public trust in the banking system. While efforts are being made to reform labour laws and improve transparency, the situation highlights the irony of a leader celebrated for empowering women struggling to maintain that progress in a broader administrative role. Measurement mirage: Conflicting data and the real picture The BBS paints a picture of steady advancement. Their survey emphasises significant progress in rural female employment, crediting women with increasingly contributing to the national economy. However, CPD Senior Research Fellow Towfiqul Islam Khan, speaking at the UN Women event, highlighted that the official labour force figures overstate the actual engagement of women, The Daily Star reported. Only 19 out of every 100 women are actively participating in economic activity, many of whom are not even securing formal employment. This gap between BBS and CPD data is not merely a statistical disagreement but a reflection of flawed definitions and inconsistent measurement frameworks. For instance, BBS considers anyone working even one hour per week for pay as employed. This definition inadvertently captures many women engaged in irregular, marginal or unpaid family labour, thereby inflating participation rates and masking economic vulnerability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Further complicating the narrative is the officially reported female unemployment rate of 3.6 per cent, which Khan argues is closer to 9.7 per cent. Among young women, unemployment exceeds 22 per cent. These figures suggest that the real crisis is not just in the quantity but the quality and security of employment opportunities available to women. Unseen and unpaid: Hidden economy of women's labour A significant portion of women's economic contributions remains invisible in national statistics. This is particularly true for the overwhelming number of women engaged in unpaid care work, domestic labour and informal sectors. CPD found that 80.8 per cent of employed women hold what are termed 'vulnerable jobs', characterised by low productivity, limited security and poor financial returns. Only 3 per cent of employed women receive pensions or retirement benefits, highlighting the lack of long-term social protection. The World Bank, in its report Voices to Choices: Bangladesh's Journey in Women's Economic Empowerment released in April 2019, highlights that over one-third of women in the labour force are unpaid family helpers. These women work without pay in family-run farms, shops or other informal enterprises, often without acknowledgment or compensation. In essence, they serve as the backbone of rural and low-income household economies while remaining statistically invisible and economically powerless. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The burden of unpaid work further constrains women's ability to engage in paid employment. Childcare, elder care and household responsibilities disproportionately fall on women, leaving them with fewer hours, less mobility and limited opportunities for formal work or education. This entrenched inequality in time use is a critical but under-discussed barrier to gender parity in the labour market. A silent exodus: Job losses and economic shocks Economic stressors like inflation and declining private investment have disproportionately affected women, according to Debapriya Bhattacharya, convenor of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs and a distinguished fellow at CPD, The Daily Star reported. Sectors that traditionally absorb female labour, including ready-made garments, domestic work and small-scale retail, have faced the brunt of economic contraction, automation and global shifts in supply chains. CPD noted that nearly two-thirds of young women belong to this group, indicating a systemic failure to integrate half the population into meaningful economic roles. This represents not only a wasted demographic dividend but a looming social crisis with long-term implications for national productivity and stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Economic disempowerment and structural barriers Behind every statistic lies a web of social, cultural and institutional barriers that continue to limit women's access to quality work. The World Bank points to persistent gender gaps in asset ownership, financial inclusion and entrepreneurial activity. For instance, women own significantly less agricultural and non-agricultural land than men and have limited access to credit and formal banking systems. Even among those women who work, control over income remains an issue. The World Bank found that many women must hand over their earnings to husbands or family members, reducing their financial autonomy. Only 36 per cent of women have bank accounts, compared to 65 per cent of men. These disparities limit women's ability to save, invest and engage in entrepreneurial ventures, reinforcing cycles of dependence and poverty. The situation is worse for women seeking work abroad. Female migrant worker departures dropped from 8,789 per month in 2022 to just 4,610 so far in 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training cited by CPD. For those who do manage to migrate, reports of forced labour, abuse and exploitation are increasingly common highlighting the need for stronger legal protections and safer migration pathways. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The crisis in women's employment is not just a setback for gender equality but a national economic emergency in Bangladesh. While 44 ministries currently produce gender budget reports, the quality and utility of these documents remain limited. The perception of progress in female employment in Bangladesh is built on precarious foundations. The contradiction between official statistics and lived realities reflects deep-seated structural inequalities that policies have yet to meaningfully address. As women continue to dominate low-quality, insecure and invisible forms of labour, Bangladesh risks stagnating not only in its gender equality goals but also in its overall economic development.
Hypebeast
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hypebeast
Lexus Unveils 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition
Summary Lexushas revealed the 2025IS500 Ultimate Edition, a limited-run model celebrating the legacy of its naturally aspirated V8 sports sedan. Only 500 units will be available in North America when the car arrives this fall. Powered by a 5L V8 producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, the Ultimate Edition sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. Brembo brakes, BBS forged alloy wheels and exclusive red calipers highlight its performance edge. Finished in a new 'Wind' metallic gray paint, the exterior is sharpened with matte black wheels and gloss black accents. Inside, the cabin features Circuit Red and Black upholstery, Ultrasuede accents, red seatbelts and serialized badging. An analog clock with precision laser etching and an exclusive startup animation adds to its uniqueness. Standard tech includes Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist and pre-collision features. Pricing for the limited edition model will be announced closer to launch.
Motor Trend
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Lexus IS500 Ultimate Edition First Look: Last of the V-8s, Ultimately
It's almost improbable that Lexus still sells the IS500 F Sport Performance, the version of its otherwise conventional IS compact sport sedan that debuted for 2022 with a 472-hp 5.0-liter V-8. The engine has no turbo- or superchargers and is assisted in no way by electrification. It's just a honkin' V-8 mixing air, fuel, and spark to propel a relatively small four-door sport sedan in a way that none of its four- and six-cylinder, forced-induction (and even all-electric) competitors offer any longer. Almost to celebrate its own audacity, Lexus is introducing a limited run of 500 IS500 Ultimate Editions. 0:00 / 0:00 The modifications are more than the usual badge-and-sticker job, too, with Lexus swapping in larger 15.0-inch ventilated front brake rotors, red-painted six-piston Brembo brake calipers, and high-friction brake pads in place of the regular IS500's 14.0-inch, four-piston front stoppers. Also added? A lightweight set of 19-inch forged aluminum BBS wheels (in place of the regular IS500's Enkei pieces). Lexus also is introducing a new-to-IS paint color on the Ultimate Edition, "Wind," a cool gray that really pops with the matte-black-painted BBS wheels. Inside, there are red seatbelts, a serialized badge commemorating the specific vehicle you buy, and red accents on the gauges and analog dashboard clock. Lexus even programs an Ultimate Edition–exclusive startup animation for the 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster display, a neat detail that seems easy in abstract but goes missed by far too many automakers when churning out special-edition variants. The seats and dash are slathered in NuLuxe faux leather and sueded elements, again part of an overall "color theme" of Circuit Red and Black. Lexus could slather the entire car in Barney purple paint and dye the interior green to match, and it likely wouldn't dull our enthusiasm for this old-school sport sedan. Sure, the IS500 F Sport Performance barely outruns the length of its name—it's quick but not crazy quick, and its handling is better suited to fast roads than racetracks—but it more than makes up for any performance shortcomings by delivering far more visceral feels than much of the zippier but ultimately less soulful competition. The IS500 Ultimate Edition therefore receives the regular IS500 F Sport Performance's 5.0-liter V-8 with no notes. We don't have any, either. So, buyers can look forward to 472 hp, 395 lb-ft of torque, a (somewhat lazy) eight-speed automatic transmission, and only the rear tires transferring that V-8's power to the ground. The soundtrack is great, and because the engine makes its power up high in the rev range, you practically must wind the V-8 out in order to access it. The only question we have is this: With Lexus dubbing this special edition IS500 the "Ultimate Edition," is it implying some finality? The IS is nearing the end of its current life cycle, so this could be the V-8 version's swan song (although there isn't yet mention of the non-Ultimate Edition—which is still on Lexus's website—going away for 2025). This same engine is still powering the similarly old RC F coupe, too. But boy, we sure hope not—we're not ready to let go of the naturally aspirated V-8–powered, small sport sedan quite yet, even if BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and others have.
