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Hindustan Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru civic body's online initiative to convert B khata properties to be launched in 2 weeks: Report
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is rolling out a new online facility for property owners who wish to upgrade their B Khata properties to A Khata. This move follows the state government's decision to begin regularising B Khata lands, making it easier for individuals to complete the process from home and removing the need to physically visit government offices. The new digital service by BBMP allows property owners to upgrade B Khata to A Khata without visiting government offices.(Wiki Commons ) This new system focuses exclusively on the land aspect; buildings that are illegal do not qualify for this regularisation, as their fate is linked to the Akarma Sakrama scheme, which remains suspended due to a Supreme Court stay. READ | Bengaluru's long-delayed civic body polls likely to happen after November: DCM DK Shivakumar According to BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao, the digital service will be operational within the next two weeks, the Deccan Herald reported. Initially, only suitable revenue sites — land used for non-agricultural purposes but not yet fully documented — and certain plots in layouts lacking official approval will be considered under the fresh standard operating procedures. Issues relating to non-compliant buildings will be addressed later. B Khata was implemented in 2009 to bring untaxed properties, especially those in informal or unapproved layouts, under the tax system, and currently covers around 700,000 properties in the city. In contrast, A Khata is reserved for properties that meet all legal requirements. B Khata typically applies to revenue sites up to 6,000sqft, unauthorized constructions, and sites in layouts not formally sanctioned. READ | Karnataka sees 22% rainfall deficit in July so far, Bengaluru anticipates increased rainfall mid-August As per the latest government order, only land-type B Khata properties — namely revenue plots and plots in non-approved layouts — are eligible for conversion in this online push. Any structures built in violation of building laws will remain ineligible for A Khata status at this time. The order outlines that B Khata will continue unless the owner opts for the conversion process, provided the site meets accessibility criteria and is free from illegal construction. This step is expected to ease the burden on owners of properties previously classified as B Khata solely because the land was in an unapproved layout or was a revenue site, enabling them to obtain A Khata without the need to approach the deputy commissioner's office for conversion to non-agricultural land.
Local Germany
28-07-2025
- Local Germany
Five surprising things about Dresden, a gem on the Elbe River
Many people may think of Dresden, a city of about half a million in the eastern state of Saxony, as little more than a right-wing hotspot. That reputation isn't wholly undeserved. In federal elections earlier this year, nearly one-third of votes in Dresden's electoral district went to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Dresden is also the site of one of Germany's most notorious neo-Nazi rallies, held every February in commemoration of the bombing of the city during World War II. But there's more to Dresden than right-wing politics. Here are five things that might surprise you about the city known affectionately as Florence on the Elbe. Dresden has a rich cultural and artistic heritage Dresden, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Saxony, bears plenty of reminders of its royal history. Visitors to the city's old town can tour palaces and see what remains of the kingdom's treasures, including the crown jewels of Saxony. The Green Vault, where the crown jewels are kept, made international headlines in 2019, when thieves stole jewels from the collection estimated to be worth over €100 million. Most of the jewels have since been recovered, but several remain missing. Dresden was also the birthplace of the influential German Expressionist art movement. The group of Expressionist artists known as Die Brücke , or The Bridge, was founded by a group of architecture students studying in Dresden in 1905. The movement, which was later denigrated by the Nazis as 'degenerate art,' was characterized by its experimental use of color and form. READ ALSO: Eight art galleries you have to visit in Germany this year Another famous painter with strong ties to Dresden is Caspar David Friedrich. His famous painting 'Wanderer above the Sea of Fog' depicts a man gazing out over a mountain landscape in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, near Dresden. Caspar David Friedrich's 'Wanderer Over a Sea of Fog'. Photo: Wiki Commons Nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park offers picturesque hikes Outdoor enthusiasts can easily explore the sandstone peaks of Saxon Switzerland ( Sächsische Schweiz ) National Park from Dresden. Several trailheads are accessible with Dresden's S-Bahn. Advertisement One of the most famous trails is the hike to the Bastei Bridge, a stone bridge built in the mid-1800s across a dramatic rock formation. To reach the Bastei Bridge, hikers can take the S-Bahn from Dresden to Kurort Rathen. From there, they can cross the Elbe on a ferry and hike to the bridge. The hike takes between 45 minutes and an hour. Perhaps the most famous region named after Switzerland, Germany's Saxon Switzerland. By Thomas Wolf, - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wiki Commons Much of Dresden's old town was rebuilt, some parts as late as in the 2000s Many Americans know about the bombing of Dresden from reading 'Slaughterhouse Five' in high school English class. The novel, which is based on author Kurt Vonnegut's experiences as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the bombing, has become an American classic. But far fewer probably know about the decades-long process of reconstructing the city's old town, which had long been famed for its beauty. Dresden was heavily bombed by British and American forces in February 1945. An estimated 25,000 people died during the bombings, and much of the city, including its historic center, was completely decimated. Landmarks including the Zwinger Palace, the city's opera house and the iconic Frauenkirche were heavily damaged or completely destroyed. But when Germany was divided into East and West following World War II, the process of rebuilding stalled. Though parts of the Zwinger and the opera house were restored under communist rule, much of what was once the city center lay virtually untouched for decades. It wasn't until after reunification in 1990 that the process of returning the old town to its former glory truly began. Dresden's citizens pushed to rebuild the old town, rather than to replace it with a modern city center. READ ALSO: How does Germany's 'phantom border' still divide the country? The Frauenkirche, which collapsed during the bombing and remained a pile of rubble for decades, was not reopened until 2005. Today, Dresden's painstakingly restored city center draws tourists from Germany and around the world. Advertisement Milk chocolate was invented in Dresden The earliest version of edible milk chocolate was produced in Dresden. But the way the Dresden chocolate manufacturer Jordan & Timaeus began producing the treat never really caught on. Jordan & Timaeus first advertised their version of milk chocolate, which was produced with steam power and used donkey milk, in 1839. A few years later, in the 1840s Swiss chocolatiers began producing a different – and more commercially successful – type of milk chocolate. Interestingly, the coffee filter was also invented in Dresden, by a woman named Melitta Bentz in 1908. Dresden invests in the future with semiconductor industry Though Dresden may be more well-known for its history, its burgeoning technology sector aims to bring the city into the future. Dresden was an electronics and manufacturing hub during the GDR (East German) era, and it has since become a hotspot for producing semiconductor chips. Most electronics we use every day require semiconductors, and the demand for chips has only grown as AI technology booms. Dresden has emerged as one of the most important hubs for semiconductor production in Europe. Advertisement The local government has strongly encouraged the semiconductor industry to come to Dresden. Chip manufacturers including Global Foundries, TSMC and Infineon have built plants in and around the city in recent years.
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
'B-Khata properties registered before Sep 30, 2024, are now A-Khata', says Karnataka deputy CM
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has said that the 'long wait is over,' as B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, 'are now A-Khata.' Calling it a landmark reform, he said the move ensures legal ownership, access to civic services, and puts an end to years of uncertainty. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has said that the 'long wait is over,' as B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, 'are now A-Khata.' (Representational Image)(Wiki Commons ) 'Good news for Bengaluru! The long wait is over; BKhata properties registered before September 30, 2024, are now 'A Khata.' This landmark reform ensures legal ownership, access to essential civic services, and finally puts an end to years of uncertainty. With this reform, we are bringing long- overdue order to the system and ensuring a more planned, inclusive, and empowered Bengaluru,' he said on X. In a major relief for thousands of property owners across Bengaluru, the Karnataka State Cabinet approved the regularisation of B-Khata properties issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) up to September 2024 last week. These properties can now be upgraded to A-Khata status, granting access to essential civic amenities such as electricity, water and sewage connections and providing long-awaited legal clarity to property owners. 'Long-awaited relief for B Khata property owners! Our government is taking a decision step by granting A Khata status, unlocking legal recognition and access to essential civic amenities like electricity, water and sanitation. This move isn't just administrative, it's about building a more inclusive, planned, and connected Bengaluru, where every family has the right to live with dignity and security,' the deputy CM had said last week. 'When giving it, we will specify the parameters. If property owners comply with the parameters, then B-Khata will be issued,' Law Minister HK Patil had told reporters after the Cabinet meeting on July 18. "To avail B-Khata, there will be certain parameters too. While A-Khata will be a perfect document, B-Khata certificates will be issued for properties with some lacunae, but with some exemptions," he had said. Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet approves regularisation of B-Khata properties in Bengaluru. Here's what it means for property owners Officials told that 'All B-Khata property owners can now apply for their property documents, which the BBMP will issue upon completion of the necessary due diligence.' "Now there will be no A-Khata or B-Khata; all such B-Khata properties will get E-Khata, which is the digital property document that the state government has started issuing since October last year," explained Anil Kalgi, secretary of Bangalore City Flat Owners' Association (BCFOA). Once regularised, B-Khata property owners will get certificates granting legal status, enabling sales, bank loans, and mortgages previously not allowed, experts said. What is a B-Khata? B-Khata is a type of property record maintained by the BBMP for properties that do not fully comply with legal and planning norms. These include buildings in unauthorised layouts, constructions without approved plans, or those lacking occupancy certificates. Even though these properties are not entirely legal, owners are still required to pay property tax, and their details are recorded for tax purposes. Also Read: Bengaluru real estate: From July 1, e-Khata mandatory for all BBMP properties. Have you got yours? However, owning a B-Khata property comes with several drawbacks. These properties are not considered fully legal and face restrictions when it comes to selling, getting building approvals, or applying for trade licenses. Banks and financial institutions usually do not offer loans against them. Compared to A-Khata properties, which are fully compliant with local laws, B-Khata properties generally have lower market value and limited legal benefits, experts say. Currently, B-Khata properties fall outside the scope of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act, 1961, leaving them unregulated and prone to violations, often resulting in unsafe constructions. To address this, the government has proposed granting A-Khata status to buildings constructed on unauthorised layouts whether currently without any Khata or holding a B-Khata under Section 17 of the KTCP Act, provided they meet specified conditions, experts said. The cut-off date for eligibility is September 30, 2024, for B-Khata properties where construction, single or multi-storeyed, has already taken place. This aligns with the provisions of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, which prohibits issuing B-Khatas for unauthorised properties created after that date, they said.
Otago Daily Times
17-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
'Unacceptable': Hundreds of tītī killed in trawler catch
The native tītī or sooty shearwater is native to New Zealand and classified as at risk/declining. Photo: Wiki Commons More than 200 seabirds were accidentally caught and killed by a fishing trawler in Te Waewae Bay in Southland earlier this year. Forest & Bird is demanding more information from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) about the 207 deaths, published in MPI's quarterly bycatch report for January to March. The birds were adult tītī sooty shearwaters, which are native to New Zealand and classified as at risk/declining. Forest & Bird's regional conservation manager for Otago and Southland Chelsea McGaw said the birds were likely to have been foraging at sea to feed their chicks, which likely starved to death. "The scale of bycatch is unacceptable and right now, it's failing our wildlife," she said. "It is a sobering thought that catches like this are not illegal, as long as they are reported." Forest & Bird said it wanted to know what the ministry and commercial trawl fisheries were doing to prevent a repeat of similar deaths in future. McGaw said it should be considered a warning sign. "A trawler that can kill this many tītī in one go could easily wipe out other threatened or at-risk seabirds, like the toroa Antipodean albatross. We need mandatory, enforceable rules that include effective bird scaring devices and fish waste management," she said. MPI's bycatch quarterly report showed 1083 seabirds and protected marine species accidentally were captured by fishing vessels between January to March. Of those, 771 died. In other instances, 18 leatherback turtles were killed by a vessel off the coast of Auckland, 17 fur seals were killed by a boat in the Southeast region, and 45 "unidentified" petrels, prions or shearwaters were killed in one instance off the coast of Auckland.
Tatler Asia
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Mother's Day 2025: Mother's home through the eyes of architects' children
Rose Seidler House by Harry Seidler Above Rose Seidler House by Harry Seidler (photo: Rory Hyde/WikiCommons) The year 1950 marked a defining moment for Harry Seidler, whose bold debut in Australia came in the form of Rose Seidler House—a home built to reflect his mother Rose's wishes. A former student of Bauhaus pioneer Walter Gropius, Seidler introduced an uncompromising modernist vision to Sydney's quiet suburbs. The house sparked instant fascination, with design elements that broke away entirely from conventional Australian dwellings. Skylights bathed the bathroom in natural light, interior murals added vivid flair, and multiple doors lent the space an unexpected openness, all influenced by his time in Brazil. These features bewildered the building inspector, yet won the public's admiration. More than just an architectural milestone, Rose Seidler House gave Seidler a reason to remain in Australia, where he would go on to shape the nation's contemporary aesthetic. Today, the house belongs to the Historic Houses Trust and serves as a museum, a vibrant testament to modern design and a son's love made architectural. Charles Gwathmey's Gwathmey House and Studio Above Gwathmey Residence and Studio by Charles Gwathmey (photo: @haus_oft/Instagram) Raised in a family steeped in the arts, Charles Gwathmey embarked on his first architectural project in 1965 with heartfelt dedication to his parents. Taking cues from Le Corbusier, he crafted a modernist retreat in Amagansett, New York, defined by its geometric clarity, sculptural forms, modestly sized windows and a masterful use of natural light. Far more than just a holiday home, the house became a deeply personal statement—a quiet yet confident declaration of Gwathmey's emerging architectural voice. Completed in 1967, the project quickly gained attention and cemented his presence on New York's design scene. In the years that followed, his clientele would come to include names like Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg and David Geffen. Though his portfolio expanded considerably, the house he designed for his parents continues to be regarded as his most pivotal creation. Recently restored, the residence is now valued at $9.25 million and remains a powerful expression of his architectural beginnings. See more: The future of architecture: 5 sustainable buildings changing the skyline Vanna Venturi House by Robert Venturi Above Vanna Venturi House by Robert Venturi (photo: Smallbones/ WikiCommons) Finished in 1964, the Vanna Venturi House in Philadelphia stands as a milestone in Robert Venturi's career and a beacon of postmodern design. Created for his mother, the house confidently rejected the architectural norms of the time. Its asymmetrical facade, irregular windows and split gable roof challenged conventional expectations. Inside, Venturi replaced formal corridors and enclosed rooms with fluid spaces and pared-back divisions, an approach made possible by the creative freedom his mother afforded him. As both client and inspiration, Mrs Vanna Venturi enabled her son to explore bold, unconventional ideas. She lived on the ground floor, as she preferred, while Venturi continued his work in the studio above until his marriage to fellow architect Denise Scott Brown in 1967. The house has since become an icon of 20th-century design. 22 Parkside (Wimbledon House) by Richard Rogers Photo 1 of 3 The open-plan living space of 22 Parkside House exemplifies high-tech architecture and Rogers' innovative residential design for his mother (photo: Courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners LLP) Photo 2 of 3 Night view of 22 Parkside with illuminated interior and transparent façade showcasing the seamless connection between indoor living and the surrounding garden (photo: Courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners LLP) Photo 3 of 3 Exterior garden view of Richard Rogers' 22 Parkside House in Wimbledon with a modernist glass façade and yellow steel frame blending harmoniously with the lush landscape (photo: Courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners LLP) Designed by Richard Rogers and his then wife Su Rogers in the late 1960s, the house at 22 Parkside, Wimbledon, London was a tribute to his parents and a milestone in the development of high-tech architecture in Britain. This low-slung, single-storey home is framed in vibrant yellow steel and anchored by expansive floor-to-ceiling glass panels at either end, filling the interior with natural light and softening the boundary between the interior and the garden beyond. Movable partitions allow for a flexible arrangement of rooms, while solid side walls provide a reassuring sense of enclosure. At the heart of the layout is a private courtyard, around which Rogers positioned his mother's flat and her own pottery studio. Photo 1 of 3 The interior of Richard Rogers' 22 Parkside House in Wimbledon, London, features iconic yellow cabinetry, minimalist modern furniture, and floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the garden (photo: Courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners LLP) Photo 2 of 3 Flexible open-plan bedroom and dining area inside Richard Rogers' Wimbledon House, designed for his parents (photo: Courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners LLP) Photo 3 of 3 22 Parkside House in Wimbledon, London, courtesy of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners LLP Originally conceived as a prototype for affordable prefabricated housing, the house was designed with industrial materials and modular construction in mind. These themes would echo through Rogers' later masterpieces, including the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Today, 22 Parkside is listed at Grade II for its architectural significance. Thoughtfully restored, the house now serves a new purpose housing graduate students from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. See also: 11 breathtaking movie home interiors we wish we could live in Jerome & Carolyn Meier House by Richard Meier Above Exterior view of Richard Meier's Essex Fells House in New Jersey, designed for his parents (photo: Courtesy of Richard Meier) Architect Richard Meier's first private commission marked more than the start of a distinguished career. It was a personal gift to his parents, Jerome and Carolyn Meier. Designed as a single-storey modernist home in Essex Fells, New Jersey, the house carries both emotional weight and early design promise. Meier once described the structure as 'a brick building in the spirit of Mies van der Rohe, beneath a roof reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.' It reflects his signature use of clean lines and geometric precision, tempered by the warmth of domestic life. Above Inside the Essex Fells home designed by Richard Meier for his parents, with open spaces, lots of natural light and minimalist details (photo: Courtesy of Richard Meier) Completed in 1964, the house is defined by curved brick walls that wrap gently around its core, while large panes of glass look out to a neighbouring golf course. A sheltered courtyard adds tranquillity, and a concealed rooftop garden sits quietly above, almost hidden from view. Every element, from the integrated cabinetry to the polished concrete floors, speaks to Meier's fastidious attention to form and function. Though the family parted with the home in 1980, it remains remarkably unchanged,a lasting imprint of a future Pritzker Prize laureate in his formative years. NOW READ Vietnamese female architects and their outstanding works in the international arena Architect Jimmy Lim Cheok Siang on career, heritage, and staying young at heart Architect Tran Le Quoc Binh and the connection with sustainable natural architecture Credits
