10th August, 2023 - The Bengaluru Commute Podcast. News update : Karnataka Govt update; Namma Metro update ; Kambala; ED raids; IIM Amendment Bill 2023; Chandrayaan-3 update; Khanun ; China's economy; RBI's MPC; Meta- Facebook news; Stock market update;
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Transcript:
Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Local news
1. For today, the 10th of August, let's begin with updates from the city. The Karnataka government announced a strict ban on unauthorized flexes, banners, and hoardings in Bengaluru city. The ban, following court orders, extends to political parties, private entities, and religious institutions. The prohibition will be enforced within the next few days, with penalties of ₹50,000 per unauthorized display.
2. In other headlines, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar's name was removed from the list of chief guests for the opening session of the Advocates' Conference on August 12 in Mysuru, organized by the Karnataka State Bar Council. The decision came after objections to him sharing the stage with judges due to pending cases against him. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the event alongside other dignitaries.
3. In some more news, Namma Metro in Bengaluru has advised passengers to use headphones for music while travelling to avoid disturbing fellow commuters. The BMRCL deployed a team to educate passengers about this, aiming for hassle-free travel. Similar regulations are already in place for loud music in KSRTC buses.
4. Up next, KSRTC has secured Asia's Best Brand Employer Award for its innovative HR practices. The accolade was declared during the 14th edition of the 18th Brand Congress recently and will be conferred in Singapore on August 17, according to a statement made by KSRTC officials.
5. Now, onto other news, in another "Peak Bengaluru" instance, an auto-rickshaw driver Dashrath's photo accepting two rides on separate apps for different locations is circulating online. The picture reveals identical driver and auto details for both rides. The coincidence left the customer amused, showing Dasharath about two and four minutes away for each ride. The post has since gained traction, generating quirky responses and thousands of views.
6. Moving on, Metro Mitra, initiated by Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union, is training 25 women for short-distance auto rides to and fro metro stations within a 5 km radius. After a 14-day training, ARDU will assist them in obtaining driving licenses and bank loans for auto rickshaws. The program addresses Bengaluru's connectivity challenges, launching initially at Jayanagar and R V Road stations with plans to expand to high-density stations each month.
7. Meanwhile, Bengaluru might witness Coastal Karnataka's traditional sport, Kambala, this November, as the Tulu-speaking community plans a large-scale buffalo race on the city's Palace grounds. Normally held in winter within coastal Karnataka villages, the event is organized by Bengaluru Tulu Koota. The event coincides with the Tulu Koota's golden jubilee, promising traditional festivities. Kambala gained attention after the movie 'Kantara' and involves buffalo races on muddy tracks.
8. On a different note, 'Created in Italy', a new exhibition at Bangalore International Centre, showcases the history of Italian industrial design, creativity, and expertise. Curated by Compasso d'Oro winners, it features items like reconstituted wood surfaces, high-performance braking systems, and fireproof technical fabrics. The exhibition, by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, runs until the 13th of August.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. A parliamentary panel has proposed a law mandating annual asset declarations by Supreme Court and High Court judges. The committee's report also suggests ending prolonged court vacations. Led by BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi, the panel emphasized that judges, like public officials, should disclose their assets. The report, part of the 133rd report on judicial processes, also recommends inclusive judicial appointments, regional Supreme Court benches, and performance assessment.
2. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at premises linked to Haryana politician Gopal Goyal Kanda, the former MDLR Group promoter, as part of a money laundering investigation. Kanda was recently acquitted in a case involving abetting the death of an air hostess from his defunct MDLR Airlines. The ED's search details haven't been disclosed. One of the locations raided was in Gurugram.
3. In more news, the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was passed by the Rajya Sabha, granting more control over IIMs' management to the President of India, thus reducing their autonomy. The Bill designates the President as the Visitor for every institute, requiring their approval for appointing and removing directors. The Search Committee composition also changes.
4. Shifting our focus, ISRO Chairman S Somanath stated that Chandrayaan-3's lander, Vikram, could achieve a soft lunar landing on August 23 even if sensors and two engines fail. The lander is designed to withstand multiple failures as long as its propulsion system functions. Somanath discussed the design's robustness during a talk hosted by Disha Bharat. The lander's propulsion module separation and deboost processes are scheduled before the planned landing.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, Canadian MP Melissa Lantsman has endorsed a petition urging the inclusion of "Hinduphobia" in Canada's Human Rights Code glossary. The petition seeks to define and address anti-Hindu prejudice and discrimination, aiming to combat systemic "institutional Hinduphobia". Initiated by Vijay Jain, the plea highlights attacks on Hindu temples, negative stereotyping, and discrimination. Over 4,500 signatures support the petition, which will be active until October 17.
2. In ongoing news, tropical storm Khanun's approach towards South Korea led to airline cancellations and warnings. Having been downgraded from a typhoon, the storm disrupted Japan's southern Kyushu island, causing power outages and raising the risk of mudslides. Evacuations were initiated in South Korea. With gusts of up to 130 kmph, the storm prompted cancellations of 252 Japan Airlines and 96 All Nippon Airways flights, impacting over 35,000 passengers.
3. In a recent development, Pope Francis has urged a global consideration of artificial intelligence's potential risks and uncertainties, highlighting its "disruptive possibilities and ambivalent effects." Despite his limited technology use, he warned against the emergence of violence and discrimination in AI's production and application, emphasizing responsible and ethical development for the benefit of humanity. The pope's message was released on the Catholic Church's World Day of Peace.
4. In some other news, China's consumer and producer prices slid in July, reflecting deflationary pressures amid weakened demand. The consumer price index marked its first drop since February 2021, declining 0.3% year-on-year, against economists' expected 0.4% fall. Producer prices contracted for a 10th consecutive month, down 4.4% YoY, indicating a rare period of falling prices due to reduced consumer and business demand after a post-pandemic initial boost.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The three-day session of the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das-led Monetary Policy Committee took place to decide the upcoming bi-monthly policy, with the announcement to be made soon. Analysts predict the central bank might maintain the current repo rate pause due to stable borrowing costs. Despite inflation pressures, with inflation below 6%, the MPC can continue the pause. The commentary is expected to remain hawkish, focusing on data-dependent actions.
2. In more business news, Bengaluru-based MPL, a prominent skill gaming firm, is set to lay off 350 employees due to the recent 28% GST imposition on sector earnings. The company conveyed this in an email to its staff, acknowledging the impact on personal lives and pledging assistance. The product team faces the most significant impact, with around 60 positions affected. This comes as the second round of layoffs after releasing 100 employees in 2021.
3. Next up, in some tech news. Norway's data protection agency, Datatilsynet, plans to fine Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, almost $100,000 daily for defying a ban on using users' data for targeted ads. The daily fine of one million kroner ($97,000) starts on August 14. The ban stems from concerns about intrusive surveillance and misuse of sensitive data, affecting users' data protection. Meta intends to ask EU, EEA, and Switzerland users for consent before targeted ads.
4. Moving on, audit firm Price Waterhouse Chartered Accountants has immediately resigned as auditor of Paytm Payments Services Limited, as mentioned in a regulatory filing by Paytm. The resignation letter cites the change of auditors at the holding company level and Paytm's practice of aligning auditors for synergy in the audit process. The filing clarifies that PwC's resignation doesn't stem from any concerns or issues. Paytm also noted that PwC's departure won't impact its financial statements.
5. In market news for August 10th, the Sensex gained 72.02 points (0.11%) to reach 65,918.52, while the Nifty rose by 38.60 points (0.20%) to reach 19,609.40. Advancing shares were 1763, declining shares were 1392, and 88 remained unchanged. The Indian Rupee displayed a minor upward inclination due to a slight weakening of the US Dollar. Nonetheless, the rise was limited by a surge in crude oil prices.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. Actor-filmmaker-producer Farhan Akhtar has finally unveiled Ranveer Singh as the new Don in the third instalment of the film. Ranveer takes over from Shah Rukh Khan, who starred in the first two films. The brand-new teaser introduces Ranveer and sets the tone for the next chapter of the franchise. Ranveer is seen in a high-rise setting, donning a leather jacket and boots, introducing himself as the new Don.
2. In news from Hollywood, US streaming platform Max has honoured the late actor Angus Cloud by adding an in-memoriam card to select episodes of the show "Euphoria," in which he played the beloved character Fezco. The card reads, "In memory of Angus Cloud 1998-2023," accompanied by a photo. Angus passed away at 25 shortly after his father's funeral.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, while celebrating his 48th birthday in Scotland with family recently, Mahesh Babu received warm wishes from his wife, Namrata Shirodkar. She shared pictures of their time on holiday, including watching fireworks. Meanwhile, a new poster of his upcoming film "Guntur Kaaram" was unveiled, delighting his fans. Guntur Kaaram is scheduled to hit theatres on January 13 next year. It is directed by Trivikram Srinivas.
Sports News
1. In sports news, Suryakumar Yadav openly acknowledged his struggle in ODIs, expressing his determination to improve in the 50-over format. With a modest average of 24.33 in 26 ODIs, Yadav emphasized the challenge of adjusting his approach from T20Is. He cited advice from Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid to focus on facing 45-50 balls per innings, aiming to contribute responsibly. As India gears up for the World Cup, Yadav aims to make his case.
2. In more sports updates, Tottenham has bolstered its defence for the upcoming Premier League season by signing Dutch centre-back Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg. The 22-year-old's initial cost is reported at 40 million euros, potentially reaching 50 million euros with add-ons. After an impressive 2022/23 season, Spurs secured him on a six-year contract, fulfilling manager Ange Postecoglou's need for a left-sided centre-back.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Olympic medalist PV Sindhu made strides in the BWF World rankings, rising to the 15th spot, while Kidambi Srikanth slipped to 20th. Sindhu's tenacity led her to the Australian Open quarterfinals, where she was defeated by eventual winner Beiwen Zhang. Srikanth also exited at the same stage, losing to fellow Indian Priyanshu Rajawat. HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen maintained their ranks at 9th and 11th places.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Enjoy an enchanting musical event " Saadgi - A Sufi and Ghazal Performance", and immerse yourself in the soulful melodies, happening live at the Shoonya - Centre for Art and Somatic Practices, Lal Bagh Road, on the 13th of August at 7.30 pm.
2. Catch ace comic Anand Rathnam, in his latest stand-up special, performing live in the city at Cafe Reset, Koramangala 6th Block, on the 13th of August at 7.00 pm.
3. Have you ever dreamt of creating your signature scent? Well, get ready for a sensational experience! Join the Kimaya Blends workshop at Copper + Cloves, Indiranagar on August 12th and craft your unique fragrance using essential oils!
4. Learn the art of making candles in an exclusive Candle-making workshop, conducted by the city's experts, happening at Dialogues Cafe, Koramangala 4th Block on the 13th of August at noon.
5. You can also catch popular comedian Shamik Chakrabarti, as he returns to the city to headline his latest show, performing live at the Drunkling Comedy Club, Koramangala 5th Block on the 12th of August at 7.00 pm.
Bengaluru Weather
1. In a general weather update for the country, the IMD issued an alert for Maharashtra with Pune to stay cloudy, with light showers possible in isolated areas. A green alert has been issued till August 11th for minimal rainfall. Meanwhile, after a record-breaking downpour last month that led to widespread havoc across Himachal Pradesh, a weakening monsoon system has resulted in a 55% rain deficit.
2. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. On August 10th, the weather is expected to be mostly cloudy. There is a low chance of rain in the city, with light precipitation anticipated. The day's high temperature will reach 30°C, while the lowest temperature will be a comfortable 20°C. The maximum heat index, accounting for humidity, will be a scorching 35°C. Direct sunlight exposure could raise the heat index by up to 8°C.
That’s all for now on The Bengaluru Commute Podcast for today. I’m Anupama. If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow me on your favourite podcast and player, and leave a rating and a review as well. It helps other listeners to discover the show, and I would just really appreciate it. Even better if you know someone who would enjoy the podcast, share it with them. Make your commute truly extraordinary. The Bengaluru Commute podcast skill is now available on Alexa! All you have to do is to download the skill from your Alexa app and look for the Bengaluru commute podcast.
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Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
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