Operations begin at Bengaluru international airport's second runway

Infrastructure

This makes the Bengaluru airport the first in the country to have two parallel runways that enable simultaneous take-offs.

TNM Staff

Representation photo

The second runway at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has commenced operations. The first flight took off on the 4000-m long and 45-m wide airstrip on Friday.  In a statement, the KIAL officials said that this makes the Bengaluru airport the first in the country to have two parallel runways that enable simultaneous take-offs.  "It is a historic day for us at BLR Airport as we commenced operations on the new runway. Our first runway opened 11 years ago, and became a linchpin for the region's economic development during the last decade. With the aviation industry in India set for exponential growth, two operational runways will provide the thrust required to cater to this demand and further bolster growth of Karnataka and India," said Hari Marar, CEO and Managing Director of KIAL.  The South Runway will begin with limited operations initially, the statement says, and operations are expected to scale up gradually. The runway will initially have CAT I certification, meant for carrying out landing operations depending on visibility. “As operations stabilise, we will progressively manage CAT III B operations, enabling landing and takeoff in extremely low visibility conditions,” the statement reads.  KIAL has also constructed an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station with Crash Fire Tenders to cater to any fire-related emergencies on the South Runway. “Over 100 firefighters were recruited from across Karnataka and expert fire engineers from National Fire Safety College, Nagpur,” the statement adds.  Hari Marar in October suggested that the second runway would be operational from as early as October. However, delay in regulatory paperwork led to KIAL pushing the timeline on the operations of the runway “Regulatory paperwork is under way for the South Runway and associated infrastructure at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru with the first flight expected to operate from the South Runway as soon as the approvals are received,” a Bangalore International Airport Limited’s (BIAL) spokesperson had earlier said.     

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Bengaluru civic body imposes Rs 32 lakh fine on apartments for not composting garbage

Civic Issues

The BBMP Solid Waste Management officials said that fines will be imposed on bulk waste generators who are not composing wet waste.

TNM Staff

Representation photo

Cracking the whip on errant apartment complexes, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike slapped fines on residential buildings in many parts of Bengaluru for not composting wet waste inside their premises. Taking to Twitter, BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar said, “We started with Radhakrishna Temple Ward 18. A fine of Rs 1,70,000 has been levied on Sterling Apartments there, and Rs 3,75,000 on Raheja Pebble Bay for failing to follow in situ composting rules.” The apartments are located near New BEL Road and RMV stage 2 respectively.  Chief Engineer, Solid Waste Management Department, said that over 10 other apartments across Bengaluru had been fined, and the tentative total amount was up Rs 32 lakh/ Further, Solid Waste Management Department officials said that this crackdown will continue over the next few days to ensure that apartments follow the rules.  According to norms, apartments in Bengaluru have to do in-situ composting if they produce 100 kg or more of garbage in a single day. These apartments are considered as bulk waste generators -- similar to hotels and other commercial establishments.  Other than this, smaller apartment complexes and individuals compost their wet waste voluntarily. Earlier in October 2018 then opposition MLA Ashwath Narayan CN (currently Deputy Chief Minister) had campaigned for asking the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to waive the solid waste management cess for households that compost organic waste on their own. The solid waste management cess is collected by the BBMP as part of property tax, and amounts to Rs 160-Rs 600 per household unit, depending on the size of the property. Ashwath argues that removing the cess will encourage sustainable measures like in-situ composting and recycling, thus bringing down the burden on BBMP  

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‘Katha Sangama’ review: This anthology film is a mixed bag

Review

Consisting of seven short films, Rishab Shetty’s movie doesn’t give enough space for viewers to absorb characters as it moves quickly from one to the next.

Aravind Shwetha

YouTube screenshot

Imagine watching seven short films, each 20-odd minutes long, at a stretch – some good, some bad, and some average. That’s Rishab Shetty’s Katha Sangama for you. Sandalwood has had its fair share of anthology films in recent times – Dayavittu Gamanisi, Kahi and now Katha Sangama. The trailer had painted the picture of a warm story and the movie, to an extent, lives up to it. The cherry on the cake comes at the end through Lacchaava, which makes up for a few flaws in the first six stories. Katha Sangama is an ensemble film filled with several characters. This is not a preachy film that opens with a problem and hands out solution in the end; it is more like an expedition through varied emotions and experiences. But, it largely misses out on the much-needed wow factor. It is akin to life handing out surprises; everything may not always bring cheer. The seven chapters are – Rainbow Land, Sathya Katha Prasanga, Girgitle, Utthara, Padavaralli, Sagara Sangama and Lachavva. Rainbow Land: Kishore, Yagna Shetty, Baby Mridunika The story is about Kishore trying to build a Rainbow Land inside their house for his loving daughter. But what happens when nature decides to go against all the hard work? Sathya Katha Prasanga: Prakash Belawadi and Sowmya Jaganmurthy Prakash Belawadi’s last day at work leaves him reminiscing about his good old life. A certain energy keeps pulling him back. When he meets tattoo artist Sowmya Jaganmurthy, a surprise awaits him. Girgitle: Raj B Shetty, Amrutha Naik Irresponsible lad Raj B Shetty falls in love with Amrutha Naik. Raj is blessed with a unique vision through which he can time travel. But when he reveals this secret to a friend, everything backfires. Utthara: Balaji Manohar and Pramod Shetty TV channel editor Balaji Manohar is a selfish man who uses news content for ulterior motives. Jacob (Pramod Shetty) is assigned to kill him. But there is more to it than meets the eyes. Padavaralli: Avinash and Hari Samashti Set in the pre-Independence era, the story takes place inside a barber’s shop. Cop Avinash is in Hari’s shop to avail his services. But the poisonous thoughts sowed by the British in people’s minds cause some tension between the two. Sagara Sangama: Hariprriyaa, Rishab Shetty and Rumy (Dog) The 20-odd minute silent story speaks louder than the other stories. Hariprriyaa gets stuck in the middle of nowhere and the only man around who can help her is a fierce-looking beggar with a ferocious dog. Sometimes, you must not judge a book by its cover but pick a chapter and let it unfold on its own. Sagara Sangama works on this theme. Lachavva: Paravva, Raghavendra C, Beeresh, Nidhi Hegde A majority of the audience is sure to call this their favourite story. Lachavva is a villager who is in Bengaluru to meet her only son. But what happens when she confuses Banaswadi and Basavangudi? Well, an emotional ride with an applause-worthy climax. Lachavva is sure to stay close to the hearts of many because of the natural performance by Paravva. Though she isn’t a professional actor, she sure knows how to bring tears to your eyes. All the others actors too have put up a good performance. Seven stories by seven filmmakers, seven musicians and seven DOPs, all of them very talented, is a treat to watch, allowing for a few glitches. The individual plots are engaging at times, but do not evoke great interest – like the Padavaralli episode. It could have been appealing, but the execution did not do justice to the story. Both Utthara and Padavaralli can be rated average to bad. Girgitle and Lachavva were my favourites. However, the 20-odd-minute stories do not give enough space for viewers to absorb the characters. Also, since several technicians have worked individually on each story, the final product leaves the audience with mixed vibes. Cinematographers have stuck to the theme and have brought out a colourful movie based on the storyline. Music too is a mix of everything. Manasina Olage, Arivu Beku, Oorendarenu are sure to stir up emotions. As the credits roll, Lachavva stays in your mind, but the movie experience leaves you with a sense of dissatisfaction. One thing to note about Katha Sangama is that as it offers a plethora of emotions, everyone can pick their favourites and agree or disagree with others’ choices. Katha Sangama is recommended as a one-time watch if you are tired of done-to-death commercial films. Disclaimer: This review was not paid for or commissioned by anyone associated with the series/film. TNM Editorial is independent of any business relationship the organisation may have with producers or any other members of its cast or crew.

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Didn't give Nithyananda refuge, he could have gone to Haiti, says Ecuador

Controversy

Nithyananda has been absconding since mid-2018 when charges were framed against him in a rape case against him.

Soumya Chatterjee

More than 10 days since various media publications and whistle blowers speculated that self-styled godman and rape-accused Nithyananda was in Ecuador, the Central American nation has denied such a development.  Speaking to TNM, an embassy official in New Delhi said the country denied him protection by refusing to gave him refugee status.  In a detailed statement, the embassy said, "The Embassy of Ecuador categorically denies the statement, wherever published, that self-styled Guru Nithyananda was given asylum by Ecuador or has been helped by the government of Ecuador in purchasing any land or island in South America near or far from Ecuador." According to the embassy, Nithyananda left to Haiti as soon as refugee status was denied. Haiti is an island nation in the Caribbean. "Moreover, Ecuador denied the request for international personal protection (refuge) made by Mr. Nithyananda before Ecuador and later on, Mr. Nithyananda left Ecuador presumably on his way to Haiti," it added. It said that all the information "published in digital and print media in India is based on the information which allegedly has been sourced from https://kailaasa.org, a website which is supposedly maintained by Mr. Nithyananda or by his people". It urged digital or print media houses to "refrain from citing Ecuador in any form in all pieces of information related to Mr. Nithyananda". Nithyananda has been absconding since mid-2018 when charges were framed against him in a rape case that was being heard by a court in Bengaluru. Whistle blowers have speculated that he went to Nepal, where Indians can travel without a passport. And from there, whistle blowers claim he travelled to a South American nation on a fake Venuzuealen passport arranged by one of his followers. Ministry of External Affairs officials earlier said that Nithyananda did not leave the country legally through any of the sea ports or airports in India. A copy of Nithyananda’s passport accessed by TNM shows it was due to expire in September 2018 and was not renewed due to the rape charges. A section of whistle blowers speculates that Nithyananda is currently in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago where some of his devotees from India are due to travel shortly via Singapore. Nithyananda is accused of raping his former disciple under the garb of spirituality. The trial for the case which was registered in 2010 began in 2018. Nithyananda has been booked under sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural sex), 420 (cheating), 114 (criminal abetment), 201 (disappearance of evidence, giving false information),120B (criminal conspiracy) and other sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He was successful in exploiting legal loopholes and delayed the trial for close to a decade. More recently, he is wanted by Gujarat Police in a child abuse and abduction case. His whereabouts remain a subject of speculation even though his videos surface regularly on social media.  Nithyananda was recently booked by the Gujarat police under sections 365 (abduction), 344 (wrongful confinement), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and under Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. Two of his associates are also in jail in connection with the same case. There have been reports of Nithyananda approaching Central American nation Belize for citizenship as well. Gujarat Police sources have confirmed to TNM that the Interpol has not been approached regarding Nithyananda as of now as reported by some media outlets.  (With IANS inputs)

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Bengaluru ACP allegedly slaps journalist, Commissioner promises inquiry

Controversy

The incident took place when the journalist was covering the bye-polls in KR Puram.

TNM Staff

PTI

In what seems to be an unwarranted case of violence by the police in Bengaluru, a police officer of Assistant Commissioner of Police allegedly slapped a Bengaluru-based reporter of an English daily. The reporter is working as a principal correspondent of The New Indian Express. The video of the ACP slapping the reporter, too, has gone viral on social media. According to reports, the incident took place when the reporter was video recording the police seemingly abusing a protestor holding placard in KR Puram. The protester was advocating free and fair elections and asking people not to take money from political parties and to “save democracy”. Reports identified the errant officer as ACP of Whitefield Sub Division, V Krishnappa. The police were reportedly unhappy as the protester had reappeared with a fresh set of placards after he was warned off for protesting near a polling booth. It was around 1 pm when the police tried to forcefully detain the protester, Santosh, and took him to the ACP. In the video that has gone viral, the ACP was seen verbally abusing Santosh. The journalist, who was at that spot, was filming the video. Police excesses! @BlrCityPolice's ACP Krishnappa threatens & abuses citizen creating voter awareness at KR Puram then attacks @NewIndianXpress' reporter recording atrocity. Is this what cops shud do@CMofKarnataka ? @HMOKarnataka @santwana99 @gsvasu_TNIE @ceo_karnataka @CPBlr pic.twitter.com/iCxiyLJmst — TNIE Karnataka (@XpressBengaluru) December 5, 2019 After the protester was taken away, the ACP noticed the camera. Unhappy that the incident was videographed, the ACP himself objected to it and allegedly slapped the journalist. Speaking to The Hindu, the reporter, who was allegedly assaulted, said that the ACP was abusing the protector and threatened to jail him if he did not leave. When asked about the incident, City Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao has assured that the matter will be looked into and an inquiry would be conducted. At present, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Whitefield) MN Anuchet has sought a report on the incident.

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Bengaluru Airport defers commencement of operations on second runway

Aviation

Earlier, it was said that the new runway will be ready by October.

TNM Staff

File image

The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) which was due to commence operations on its second runway starting from Thursday, along with its existing runway, has sad that the process has been deferred. Earlier, at a press meet, the Managing Director and CEO of BIAL Hari Marar, had suggested that the second runway will be operational from as early as October. “Regulatory paperwork is under way for the South Runway and associated infrastructure at the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru with the first flight expected to operate from the South Runway as soon as the approvals are received,” a Bangalore International Airport Limited’s (BIAL) spokesperson said on Thursday evening. Until now, the airport authority was not sharing any update regarding the opening of the second terminal. It has neither revealed further details nor issued a statement regarding the development. BIAL had earlier announced that the validation (test) flight operations — the procedure wherein a flight lands and takes off as a test, to check if the runway is capable — were successfully carried out in late August. As previously reported, the new south parallel runway will begin functioning only in a limited capacity as not all the taxiways are operationally ready yet.  This second runway is part of the airport’s Rs 13,000 crore expansion plan, which involves a new terminal, widening of access roads as well as a new multi-modal transport hub. This also includes setting up of two metro stations inside the 4,000-acre airport campus and also a suburban railway station. Read: Bengaluru Airport to open its second runway on Thursday: Five things to know

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Trump pulled into feud between top health officials

Trump's and Pence’s efforts to end the feud come amid broader leadership battles at the health department.

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