Latest news with #MohandasPai
Mint
a day ago
- General
- Mint
'Sitting in our cars, and laughing': Bengalureans joke as traffic chaos in London delays England-West Indies match
England-West Indies 3rd ODI: The third ODI between England and the West Indies on Tuesday hit an unexpected speed bump — London's traffic chaos. But while players were stuck in gridlock across the UK capital, it was Bengaluru that somehow zoomed into the spotlight. Why? Because of the city's infamous traffic jams. Social media couldn't resist the comparison — and soon, London's congestion was being compared with Bengaluru. 'Hahahaha!!! All of us in Bangalore are sitting in our cars, and laughing at this,' one user wrote, reacting to a clip of the delayed toss between England and West Indies. Cricketers of both England, West Indies team got stuck on their respective buses on the way to the Oval in south London, with England's players deciding to get off and ride bikes to the ground instead. Videos of the same started doing the rounds on social media, leaving netizens amused. 'Arriving at the ground in style. Only one way to beat the road closures in London,' England Cricket posted on their X account. The mirth on social media continued, with netizens taking a swipe at Bengaluru traffic. 'If this had happened in India, all English cricketers would tweet about how BCCI with so much funds is not solving Bangalore traffic issues,' wrote one user with multiple smiling emojis. 'Now we know what they meant by Bangalore being the most English among all Indian cities!' quipped in another user. This is not the first time that social media has been flooded with a wave of discussions on how nasty Bangalore traffic jams can get. In March, Bengaluru's never-ending traffic jams became the subject of satire after former Infosys director Mohandas Pai posted a humorous take on X (formerly Twitter). He announced a fictional 'Chaar Jam Yatra'—a four-day, three-night 'tour' through some of the city's worst traffic hotspots, including Outer Ring Road, Silkboard Junction, Marathahalli, and HSR Layout. Mohandas Pai's joke resonated with many Bengaluru residents who deal with daily traffic congestion, sparking widespread reactions online. Last month, Zerodha's Nikhil Kamath added to the discussion on Bengaluru's traffic. During his podcast, the Zerodha co-founder asked Bengaluru's Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, MN Anucheth for a solution to the city's traffic woes. The top cop said that Bangalore has long struggled with inadequate public transportation options. Prior to the introduction of the metro system, the city's primary mode of public transit was limited to BMTC buses. Unlike cities such as Kolkata, which has trams, Delhi with its expansive metro network, or Mumbai with its well-established local trains, Bangalore lacked a diverse and efficient public transport system, he said.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
"Toxic And Hate Monger": Mohandas Pai Slams Hotmail's Sabeer Bhatia For His Remarks On India's GDP
Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai has hit back at Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia for his post questioning whether Indians could feel the impact of the country becoming the fourth-largest economy after surpassing Japan. It all started after Mr Bhatia shared a video showing slumps, poor drainage systems and even white foam that forms in Delhi's Yamuna, causing concern each year. "We overtook Japan in can you feel it in your pocket? Growth without distribution is just inflation in disguise," he wrote in the caption of the post. Reposting the X post, Mr Pai called Mr Bhatia an "economic refugee" and said that he has no standing to comment on the country's progress since he left the country years ago. "Man Sabeer Bhatia you are an economic refugee, left India long ago. Good riddance to bad rubbish. You had no role in India's progress. So stop pontificating and shut up. We will grow India and build our future. We do not need you. You are toxic and a hate monger," he wrote. Man @sabeer you are an economic refugee, left India long ago. Good riddance to bad rubbish. You had no role in India's progress. So stop pontificating and shut up. We will grow India and build our future. We do not need you. You are toxic and a hate monger. — Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) May 30, 2025 In his post, Mr Bhatia spoke about the quality of life in India. "The reason I have come out and criticised the overall GDP over that of Japan is for this reason. I have been getting a lot of backlash on my Twitter account but I'm still doing it because I love India and I love each and every one of you. I really care about India and I want it to be an India that improves the lives of all of its citizens, especially the ones right at the bottom of the pyramid. If we can change their lives, all the other numbers automatically take care of themselves," he said in the clip. The Hotmail co-founder also listed how he thinks India can be better. He believes that real progress lies in mass education and empowering people through critical thinking. "Just mass educate the entire population of the country. Today, that is possible with the help of AI. But if we stick to rote learning, memorisation, and chasing exam scores, that is completely useless," he said. Meanwhile, Mr Bhatia and Mr Pai's X interaction has sparked discussion online, with many users agreeing with the former Infosys CFO. "Dear @sabeer, you were a hero to us when we were young, you sold the story of the great American dream with the sale of #Hotmail. However, we are now through with Nostalgia. There are better role models for us here in India. More humble, more giving back to Indian society. I believe they are the real heroes we Indians admire because they did what you couldn't here. So, please stop this narrative, do some real work here in India. Do #meaningful #real. Start a #fund," wrote one user. "I get your point, Sabeer, and improvement in GDP per capita growth will happen once we realise India's full potential across services and product space. So, let's be optimistic, support the movement, and celebrate the milestone without losing momentum," commented another.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Manivannan takes over as BDA commissioner, Mohandas Pai calls him ‘action-oriented'
In a key bureaucratic reshuffle, the Karnataka government on Friday appointed senior IAS officer Manivannan P. as the new Commissioner of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). According to a report by The Hindu, a 1998-batch officer, Manivannan will take over with concurrent charge while continuing as the Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department. His appointment, effective May 31, comes as the current BDA Commissioner Jayaram N. is set to retire on the same day, the report added. The BDA, often at the centre of criticism over Bengaluru's chaotic urban expansion, is currently grappling with multiple challenges. One of its flagship projects, the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, has seen sluggish progress, and residents continue to complain of poor infrastructure. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently announced that the skydeck project, part of the city's broader development push, will take shape within this very layout in Kengeri. The BDA, along with the BBMP, has also faced backlash for approving layouts and constructions without ensuring adequate infrastructure, thereby contributing to urban sprawl and civic stress in India's tech capital. (Also Read: Bengaluru's long-waited Ejipura flyover gets official attention as BBMP chief pays visit) The appointment has drawn attention from public figures and civic commentators. Prominent Bengaluru-based entrepreneur and investor Mohandas Pai welcomed the decision on X (formerly Twitter), saying, 'Thank you very much Rao avare. Your constant Indus film is very needed. Pl busy Shante's 25 days to see progress. Only way to get things improved. @BBMPCOMM great work. Thanks Minister @DKShivakumar for having an action-oriented dynamic officer.' Pai's endorsement reflects a broader hope among citizens that Manivannan's track record of proactive governance will bring new energy and accountability to the BDA. Manivannan has previously held key roles across departments in Karnataka, and his appointment comes at a time when Bengaluru's planning agencies are under increased scrutiny for their role in shaping the city's future. (Also Read: 'You had no role in India's progress': Mohandas Pai shreds Indian-American millionaire over quality of life remarks)
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
BMTC launches ‘Divya Darshana' spiritual tour across Bengaluru's 8 iconic temples. More details
In a bid to boost spiritual tourism within the city, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has announced the launch of a new package tour, 'Divya Darshana'. Set to commence on May 31, the service will operate on weekends and public holidays. Also Read - Mohandas Pai slams Bengaluru metro authorities over Yellow Line delays, calls work culture 'lousy' Following the success of earlier initiatives like 'Bengaluru Darshini' and the special tour to the Isha Foundation — which together served over 50,000 passengers in the past year — BMTC is now offering this latest curated experience aboard air-conditioned buses. Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the tour will begin each day from the Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) at 8:30 a.m. and return by 6:05 p.m. 'This initiative not only celebrates the city's spiritual heritage but also provides a comfortable and affordable way for devotees and tourists to visit some of the most revered temples around Bengaluru,' he said. This is also expected to boost the revenue of BMTC and create more footfalls for the public transportation. However, residents are hoping that this service will be launched from several parts of Bengaluru for the convenience of devotees. Also Read - Truck driver killed in Mangaluru, authorities clamp down to curb communal tensions Sri Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple Shrungagiri Sri Shanmukha Swamy Temple Sri Devi Karumari Amman Temple Omkar Hills Temple ISKCON Vaikuntha Temple (Vasanthapura) Art of Living Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram Banashankari Temple Tickets are priced at ₹450 for adults and ₹350 for children, inclusive of GST. Bookings can be made online through the KSRTC website ( For further assistance, BMTC has also set up helplines at 080-22483777 and 7760991170.
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Mohandas Pai, Former Infosys CFO, Criticizes Bengaluru Metro Delay, Calls for Accountability
Mohandas Pai, former Infosys CFO, criticized Bengaluru's Metro officials and Development Minister D K Shivakumar. He said the work culture is very bad and asked for the responsible official to be suspended. The Yellow Line of Namma Metro runs from RV Road to Bommasandra. It was supposed to open in mid-2024 but is now delayed until July or August. The delay is caused by problems with the train's signalling system. The Independent Safety Assessment (ISA) approval is still pendin Siemens India, the signalling system contractor, found errors in the software. Train operations depend fully on software. Even a small error causes the system to stop for safety reasons. BMRCL has finished other tests but needs ISA approval before starting operations. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar promised the Yellow Line would be ready by May 2025. However, many deadlines have been missed, causing public frustration. Minister @DKShivakumar what is happening? Is there no value in deadlines? Delay after delay! Is there any management at all. They are letting you down very badly again and gain. Pl Suspend the official responsible. Very bad lousy work culture. This could have been done long back.… — Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) May 27, 2025
