Latest news with #GandhiJayanthi
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Dry days in Bengaluru on August 15, 16? Truth behind viral reports
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting a state wide alcohol ban, Karnataka - including Bengaluru - will not enforce a double dry day on August 15 and 16. There is currently no official confirmation of liquor restrictions on both days - August 15 and 16 in Bengaluru or elsewhere in the state. The BBMP usually enforces liquor bans in Bengaluru to maintain peace during large gatherings, however, alcohol sales will remain unaffected on both August 15 and 16.(Pexels) READ | Bengaluru weather update: Yellow alert in effect with rain forecast till weekend Authorities typically impose dry days as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order during national and religious holidays. However, as of now, there is no state wide notification confirming a two-day liquor ban. All outlets - including bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and liquor stores - will continue the sale of alcohol. READ | Bengaluru's new Hebbal flyover loop opens for trial, traffic police seek public feedback Bengaluru's civic administrative body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), usually bans the sale of alcohol in the city on other days such as Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2) and Rama Navami.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala HC imposes ban on single-use plastic items in hilly areas
Expressing concern at the pollution due to unregulated and irresponsible disposal of plastic waste in the State, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday issued an order banning the use of single-use plastic items in hilly areas where visitors converge in large numbers, at functions like weddings and also in eateries from October 2, Gandhi Jayanthi. The ban is on plastic water bottles with less than five litre carrying capacity, soft drink bottles with less than two litre carrying capacity, food containers, plates, cups and straws, among others, and is extended to official functions hosted by government agencies. Irresponsible disposal of plastic waste posed a serious threat to all life forms, said the court. On breaking down, plastic turns into harmful micro plastic nodules, which find their way into waterbodies and are ultimately consumed by human beings and animals. Even after knowing this, the use of alternatives to plastic has not permeated into the human lifestyle. The Indian Constitution behoves each person to conserve the environment for future generations – a trust bestowed on us. It is thus essential to minimise the use of plastic. The court went on to add that adequate number of kiosks that vend clean and safe drinking water must be set up at tourist spots in hilly areas, at weddings and other events, or water should be supplied in glass or stainless steel bottles. The alternatives to use and throw plastic food containers and tumblers included containers made of stainless steel or glass or those made of biodegradable substances. Likewise, cloth of paper bags were the ideal alternative to non-woven carry bags. In waterbodies In addition, the State government and local bodies must take steps to prevent the dumping of plastic waste in waterbodies. On its part, the State government must take steps to spread awareness on the ill effects of single-use plastics and the indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste. Steps must also be taken to ensure adherence to the 'extended producer responsibility' as per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and the other pertinent legal provisions. The adherence to these rules was needed to protect the fundamental right that people had to have a safe and clean environment, the court said. It further directed the Chief Secretary and the Special Secretary of Local Self Government institutions to coordinate with local bodies, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and the police to effectively implement the directions. The court reminded that both the State government and the pollution control board had banned the use of single-use plastics in 2019 and 2018 respectively. Voluntary organisations can help collect plastic waste from waterbodies. Submit suggestions The High Court had earlier this month directed the State government and other stakeholders to address environmental problems posed by the widespread use of small plastic water bottles, especially at tourist destinations in hilly areas, wedding receptions, and other celebrations and had instructed stakeholders, including the pollution control board, to submit their suggestions by Monday, to pronounce its order on the matter on Tuesday. Earlier, while suggesting the implementation of a buy-back system by which the Kerala State Beverages Corporation could collect such plastic bottles and return them to liquor companies for recycling, the court had observed that such a system could significantly reduce plastic waste in the State. The order was based on a suo motu case taken up following concerns flagged during the proceedings related to the fire at a solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram in Kochi in 2023.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gandhi Hill all set to receive a major facelift
After years of neglect, Gandhi Hill, one of Vijayawada's most iconic landmarks, is set for a major revival with the Andhra Pradesh government clearing the decks for a comprehensive renovation project that aims to restore the historic site to its former glory. Atop the Gandhi Hill stands a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, the first monument built in memory of the Father of the Nation after his assassination in 1948. A stone's throw from the Vijayawada Railway Station on the Tarapet side, this site has long served as a symbol of peace and national pride, attracting both tourists and locals alike. However, in the recent years, the monument and its surrounding infrastructure have fallen into disrepair. 'Good days are ahead for Gandhi Hill, which deserves a pride of place. We are developing a comprehensive plan to groom the place into an iconic international tourist destination,' chairman of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Andhra Pradesh, Gandhi P.C. Kaza, told The Hindu on Saturday. The Andhra Pradesh Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, constituted in 2017 after bifurcation of the State, nominated a new committee for the Gandhi Hill Foundation (GHF), which convened its meeting on the Gandhi Hill on May 8. NTR district Collector G. Lakshmisha and Commissioner of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) H. M. Dhyanachandra also attended as ex officio members, to review the current status of the site. The committee met under the chairmanship of Mr. Gandhi, along with the GHF secretary Y. Ramachandra Rao and 11 other nominated members, including Jandhyala Sankar, Raavi Sarada, I. Prasada Raju, Rashmi Samaram and G.V. Mohan Prasad. The members decided to take up development of this important place in a phased manner. 'In phase-I (2025-2027), our top priority will be to improve the basic amenities and beautification of the main arch at the entry point,' said Mr. Gandhi, adding that the plan included sprucing up the perimeter with greenery and landscaping, re-topping of the approach road from the entry point up to the stupa, renovation of the children's play area and the surrounding areas atop the hill. The GHF plans to transform the planetarium into a major attraction by using German technology by October 2, 2025 (Gandhi Jayanthi). 'Restructuring and electrification of the mini toy train will also be taken up, as it is a major attraction for children,' he said. Mr. Gandhi said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed with the VMC and other local bodies and industry units to launch collaborative efforts to beautify the place. 'The Chief Minister will be the chief patron of GHF as per the society bye-laws and his guidance, and advice will be taken for the overall development of Gandhi Hill,' said Mr. Gandhi. The Gandhi Hill got its name after the Mahatma's visit in 1921 to address a gathering at the foot of the hill, during the freedom struggle. From here, Bapu was said to have given a clarion call to people to embrace Swadeshi, eradicate untouchability and donate for Swaraj Koti Nidhi (of ₹1 by each person towards Swaraj Fund), which evoked enormous response and people contributed liberally. As the place acquired importance, a memorial project was developed. A foundation stone for the Gandhi memorial planned by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, was laid here by the then Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, on November 9, 1964, and a 52-ft. memorial stupa was unveiled by Dr. Zakir Hussain on October 6, 1968.
Deccan Herald
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
‘Koli Taal' director's second feature to release on May 9
In most Indian homes, Sunday means a good non vegetarian meal with the family. Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa translates to 'tomorrow is a holiday, we can enjoy chicken curry'. Directed by Abhilash Shetty of Koli Taal fame, it follows an eleven-year-old girl Sneha, who wants to eat chicken curry on a Gandhi Jayanthi which falls on a Sunday. Slaughter and sale of meat is banned on Gandhi Jayanthi. The film is Abhilash's second feature. Sneha embarks on a journey, in pursuit of the chicken curry. Her journey leads to 'unexpected twists that challenge traditions and societal norms'.'Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa reveals the hypocrisy and double standards of society,' Abhilash tells DH. . 'It is a political satire. The film has many layers unlike Koli Taal which was a straightforward story about a grandson and a grandfather,' he is set in coastal Karnataka and falls in the same universe as Koli Taal but it's not a continuation of the film, he says. Abhilash's Koli Taal didn't have any music but he says Naale Raja Koli Majaa has an indo-western fusion music. The film's music is composed by US-based Vithor film will be screened at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFA) scheduled to be held in New York later this month. It was also screened in festivals in Canada, Indonesia and Chicago. Abhilash is a self taught filmmaker. He started making short films in 2017. 'I learned filmmaking by watching movies and picked the technical aspects of filmmaking by making short films,' Abhilash says. He made Koli Taal in 2020. Abhilash who is from Shivamogga says his films are usually set in the Western Ghats. Even the film's post-production takes place in the region. 'All we need is a good laptop, you can edit your film from anywhere,' he says. Talking about whether the industry is getting decentralised, Abhilash says 'Udupi and Shivamogga have dubbing studios now and equipment is easily accessible. Since a lot of films are coming from the region, facilities are becoming more available. We don't have to necessarily depend on big cities for everything anymore.' Abhilash's Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa releases in theatres on May 9.
